Exploring interventions to increase primary care providers’ use of self-management goals

Abstract

Accreditors, such as the Joint Commission, consider evidence of patient engagement strategies for awarding Primary Care/Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) accreditation. This project explored the use of brief Motivational Interviewing (MI) training at a local county health center and evaluated the impact on the documented use of self-management goals (SMGs) for patients with diabetes and hypertension. Methods included a professional development program, including an online module, presentation, and educational materials. The goal was to increase providers’ MI knowledge and skills to better construct and document SMGs. The program impact was evaluated by chart review to determine the use of SMGs by providers in patients with diabetes and hypertension. The presentation evaluation included participant scoring of statements based on learning objectives. Results of the presentation objectives included > than 3.88/4 means of each item and indicated satisfaction with the presentation. Pre implementation (N=120) chart review demonstrated that only 7% of the charts contained SMG documentation. One month after the program completion, no change (6%) was noted in providers’ (N= 86) SMG documentation. Informal interviews with providers indicated favorable attitudes toward increasing patient engagement with MI and formation of SMGs but challenges were identified such as too little time with patients, health literacy, and lack of resources. Conclusions indicate that innovative options should be developed to support providers in the development and documentation of SMGs.