The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care as part of the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (Great Plains QIN) has partnered with the South Dakota State Medical Association to offer a ten-part series of webinar briefs. Key patient-centered care topics are presented in 15-20 minute webinar segments highlighting provider and clinician perspectives while introducing corresponding resources and tools.
Eric L. Johnson, MD was featured for two webinars on engaging the patient beyond the exam room: Helping the Patient Be Realistic and Tools and Resources to Promote Self-Management. Along with his position as an associate professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Johnson is president of the American Diabetes Association – North Dakota and Tobacco Free North Dakota. In addition, he provides care at Altru Health System’s Diabetes Center in Grand Forks, ND.
Through his extensive experience and involvement with diabetes, Dr. Johnson recognizes the struggle of promoting self-management through positive lifestyle change. Explaining the benefits of a change is the first step. Motivating the patient to take the first step and maintain the changes long-term is much more difficult. Helping the Patient Be Realistic highlights basic communication tips for gaining trust and improving health outcomes through lifestyle change, even if it begins on a small scale.
As the title implies, the second webinar identifies a variety of Tools and Resources to Promote Self-Management. Referrals to community-based programs can assist with these challenges by teaching individuals to set goals, establish accountability and track progress.
Great Plains QIN’s diabetes care initiative also promotes the use of community resources including the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) and Stanford Diabetes Self-Management. These evidence-based programs improve health outcomes. Master trainers for both programs are available to facilitate workshops and provide technical assistance for establishing a referral program.