Empowering Communities: The Key to Successful Health and Wellness Initiatives
In 2018, I was a program manager in Brockton, Massachusetts, focused on health and wellness initiatives for low-income seniors, and successfully implemented programs that increased access to diabetes education, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fitness and exercise. This success can be attributed to the strong emphasis on incorporating the voice of the community and the inclusion of a Community Health Worker (CHW) in the decision-making process.
The CHW, Isabel, played a crucial role in understanding the needs and preferences of the Cape Verdean and Haitian populations, who made up a significant portion of the low-income seniors that I was working to support through a grant funded project. By listening to their feedback and acting on it, I was able to make critical adjustments to the programs, such as:
Suspending meditation exercises after it was told to the CHW by many residents that it felt demonic
Developing gardening activities to address immigrants missing land and nature and meet the residents' desire for green spaces.
Creating English language classes that also addressed hypertension and diabetes management, allowing non-English speaking residents to build community and feel more confident in their understanding of the language.
These examples highlight the importance of actively engaging with the community and employing the best practices for involving patients and community members in healthcare interventions. By following these practices, healthcare providers can create patient-centered interventions that are effective, inclusive, and tailored to the unique needs of the community.
Ultimately, the success of the health and wellness initiatives in Brockton, Massachusetts, showcases the power of collaboration, open communication, and valuing the expertise of the community. By empowering communities to actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences, healthcare organizations can pave the way for better health outcomes and improved overall well-being.
Best Practices for Involving Patients and the Community in Interventions:
Create frequent space for patients to provide feedback, before, during, and after the implementation of an intervention: Regular opportunities for feedback allow patients to express their concerns, experiences, and suggestions, ensuring that the intervention is tailored to their needs.
Compensate patients for the time they offer providing expertise: Recognizing and valuing the input of patients by compensating them for their time and expertise encourages participation and fosters a more collaborative environment. We get paid to do this work, and so should they.
Use simple vocabulary to explain to patients what is happening: Clear and straightforward communication ensures patients understand the intervention and its implications, allowing them to provide informed feedback. Stay away and be mindful of acronyms and healthcare jargon.
Provide preparation before meetings such as Community Advisory Boards or Patient and Family Advisory Councils: Equipping patients with the necessary information before meetings promotes effective communication and a more productive dialogue during the meeting. I often have pre-meetings with patients. This also gives me points I can refer back to in order to encourage people to speak up in the actual meeting.
Make participation in providing feedback easy, accessible, and fun: Encouraging patient engagement by creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment can lead to more meaningful and diverse input. Allow patients to show up via video, telephone and in person.
Share with patients what is accomplished as a result of their input and advocacy: Demonstrating the impact of patient involvement in the decision-making process reinforces the value of their contributions and maintains an ongoing relationship. “These changes happened because of your input…”
Allow patients to offer feedback on how you ask for feedback: Continuously refining the feedback process according to the needs and preferences of the community ensures that the input remains relevant and useful. Ask them if there is a preference for meeting days? Process for surveying? How the meetings are run etc.
State the importance and appreciation of their input: Acknowledging the contributions of patients and the community fosters trust and builds a strong foundation for collaboration.
Leverage patient-facing staff such as Medical Assistants, Front Desk, Community Health Workers, etc., for a full picture of the patient experience: These staff members often have direct contact with patients and can provide valuable insights into the community's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Incorporating the voice of the community in the planning and implementation of healthcare interventions is vital for achieving successful outcomes. By employing these best practices, healthcare providers can create patient-centered interventions that are more effective, inclusive, and tailored to the unique needs of the community. Through collaboration and open communication, healthcare organizations can empower communities to actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences, leading to better health outcomes for all.