Primary care telemonitoring to support diabetes management

From the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): According to a new study supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), adding telemonitoring to the routine care diabetes patients receive did not significantly change outcomes. “Effect of home telemonitoring on glycemic and blood pressure control in primary care clinic patients with diabetes,” …

New edition of Health Communication Science Digest

From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): This month in the Digest there are several papers reporting the effectiveness of public health communication messaging (Auchincloss et al; Beales & Kulick; Chang [2 papers]; Dillard & Main; Glanz et al; Huang & Yang; Lee, J.). Other reports examine audience segmentation and targeting (McInnes et …

Mind the Science Gap ends

I'm sad to report that Mind the Science Gap, a science communication training blog from the University of Michigan School of Public Health,  has ended.In January 2012, Mind The Science Gap was launched as a unique approach to helping public health graduate students at the University of Michigan hone their science communication skills.  Since then, …

Strategies to facilitate the use of health-related evidence

The Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) has released a systematic review, Communication and Dissemination Strategies To Facilitate the Use of Health-Related Evidence.  The review focuses on 3 areas. First, it addresses the comparative effectiveness of communicating evidence in various contents and formats that increase the likelihood that target audiences will both understand and …

Sugar-sweetened beverages playbook

One of the 4 legal tools discussed in the current issue of the CDC's Public Health Law News, is a Sugar-sweetened beverages playbook from ChangeLab.  The playbook offers a sequence of ten strategies—from public education campaigns to restrictions on the availability of sugar-sweetened beverages—communities and states can use to reduce consumption of SSBs. Find more …

23andMe, FDA,and DNA health profiling

From our friends at Risk Bites, a new video on the FDA's request that 23andMe "immediately discontinue marketing the PGS [Personal Genome Service] until such time as it receives FDA marketing authorization for the device".

Health Literate Care Model

From the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): In 2012, Health Affairs published an article proposing a Health Literate Care Model that weaves health literacy strategies into the widely adopted Care Model (formerly known as the Chronic Care Model). The article describes how health care organizations can infuse health literacy into all aspects of …

Hearsay or Fact: A Symposium on the Communication of the Affordable Care Act

"Hearsay or Fact," a free symposium sponsored by the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation, the Knight-Wallace Fellows at Michigan, & the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation is scheduled for Monday, November 4, from 1:00 to 5:00 in the Michigan League Ballroom.  Participants include: Policy: John Z. Ayanian, MD, MPP, Director, Institute for …

Patient & family engagement in hospital quality & safety

From the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): A new online resource from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) helps hospitals improve quality and safety by building productive partnerships between health care professionals, patients, and family members. Patient and family engagement is a critical part of what hospitals should already be doing.  The Guide to …

Campaign to help Spanish speakers compare treatment options

From the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): Take advantage of Toma las riendas: (Take the reins), AHRQ’s campaign to encourage Hispanics to take control of their health and explore treatment options. Free Spanish-language resources can help Hispanics compare the benefits and risks of treatment option and prepare to discuss these options with their …