CLC AHCT Presentation Oct 2016_FINAL
The document describes the Conectando la Comunidad initiative led by Denise O. Smith to address health literacy gaps among Hispanic persons of color. The initiative analyzed literature on health literacy, surveyed certified application counselors, and developed and implemented trainings for counselors using the Coverage to Care roadmap. The training covered why health insurance is important, using insurance to access primary care, and choosing providers. Post-training evaluations found that over 90% of participants felt it improved health literacy and prepared them to help Hispanic clients understand and navigate healthcare. Next steps include recruiting more people to implement Coverage to Care strategies and providing technical assistance.
CLC AHCT Presentation Oct 2016_FINAL
- 1. Eastern CT AHEC, Inc. “Conectando la Communidad” (Connecting Communities) Initiative Denise O. Smith, BHCA, CHW, PN Conectando la Comunidad Project Manager
- 2. Initiative Approach • Analyze literature on health literacy gaps • Survey Certified Application Counselors • Develop and implement training • Recommend Coverage to Care implementation strategies • Provide technical assistance
- 3. Health Literacy Problem Analysis Mistrust of the medical system Low health and health insurance literacy Cultural and linguistic barriers High rates of chronic disease Delegated decision making Rising premiums, deductibles and copays Poor translation and language assistance Complex terms, activities and decisions Increased individual responsibility Constant change
- 4. Hispanic Persons of Color Literacy Gaps 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH INSURANCE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY CARE WHEN TO USE ER OR PRIMARY CARE HOW TO CHOOSE A PROVIDER Graph 1: CACs Rate the Lack of Health Literacy among Hispanic Persons of Color
- 5. CAC Workforce Services Gaps Graph 2: Health Literacy Education Not Provided by CACs or other Respondents
- 6. CMS Coverage to Care Roadmap • Why health and health insurance is important • Using health insurance to access primary care • Using primary care or emergency room • Choosing a provider
- 7. Conectando la Comunidad Training 1. Health Literacy Exploration (knowledge / skills gaps of Hispanic Persons of Color and workforce 2. Coverage to Care (strategies to address cultural, linguistic and implementation barriers) 3. Teach Back Method (improve education, communication and engagement) 4. Health Literacy Study Circle (discussions to adapt Coverage to Care)
- 8. Post Training Evaluation 90% or more of all training participants agreed: • Relevant to the needs of Hispanic clients and families • Effective in preparing CACs to assist Hispanic Persons of Color to understand and navigate health systems • Coverage to Care will improve health care literacy among Hispanic Persons of Color • Teach Back is an effective strategy to improve engagement & increase health literacy
- 9. Next Steps • Recruit CACs, CHWs and others for Coverage to Care implementation • Offer strategies for implementation • Monitor and provide technical assistance
- 10. Thank you! Free Coverage to Care Resources and Focus Groups Registration at the Eastern CT AHEC table.