Patients are increasingly seeking health information outside of physician offices. This information may serve to empower people to make better medical decisions in collaboration with their providers, and to improve individual health behavior. To that end, MaineHealth, a non-profit integrated delivery system comprised of healthcare facilities in southern and central Maine, has created two "Learning Resource Centers" for its patients and community members. These centers offer provider-reviewed written and web-based information, as well as numerous classes, on medical and psychosocial topics. Between August 1998 and September 1999, 488 individuals attended a total of 46 classes at one site. Of the 309 participants returning evaluations, 88% rated their individual session as "very good," or "excellent," when describing it's usefulness. One course, a series entitled, "Menopause: Understanding Transition and Treatment Choices," was offered at both sites, and had 102 participants. Of these, 99% found the course met their expectations somewhat or completely. All respondents indicated that they would recommend the course to a friend. Following the course, participants indicated that they would be more likely to begin or change their calcium supplement (76%), increase dietary calcium (71%), begin Vitamin D supplementation (70%) and begin or continue hormone replacement therapy (70%). These findings indicate that patients do take advantage of, and benefit from, health information in a non-medical setting. Investment in health education has resulted in tangible outcomes for participants, value-added for providers, and fulfillment of the community health improvement mission of the MaineHealth system.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss the benefits of a community-based health education program. 2. Articulate the procedure for developing such a program. 3. Identify a means for assessing the impact of a health education program
Keywords: Health Education, Community Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: MaineHealth, Portland, Maine
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: M.P.H. financial support