Patient Empowerment

“I worry less about my HealthRise patients, I worry less about our patients that are being followed by a CHW.” – Clinic provider, US

“In the NCD program, we have included the ASHAs and in my opinion it is one of the best steps that have been taken by the government.” – Administrator, India

“They ask like family members, sit close by, with love, they explain properly.” – Patient, India

“They are not people from outside, but they are people among us. They did not come from foreign, they are our people.” – Patient, India

“CHWs are speaking from their hearts and lived experiences...it’s critical...everybody should have CHWs...I think clinics would be amazed.” – Clinic provider, US

Patient Empowerment

Not much is known about how to measure patient empowerment in a meaningful way, and furthermore, with a measure that can serve as a proxy for health outcomes. In the sparse research on patient empowerment, a validated measure that has a clear correlation with health outcomes and can be used in diverse cultural and linguistic settings does not exist. In the absence of such a measure, qualitative findings and process indicators are used to assess the possible impacts of HealthRise on patient empowerment. Patients participating in HealthRise described many ways the program increased their knowledge about NCDs and empowered them to manage their illnesses more effectively. Likewise, providers described dramatic changes in some, but not all, patients’ health, behaviors, and commitment to taking medication and attending checkups, as well as in the general level of knowledge about NCDs in communities. Across countries, HealthRise succeeded in educating patients about symptoms of NCDs; risk factors; and disease management through healthy lifestyles and adherence to medication. Through tens of thousands of screenings in the four countries, HealthRise identified thousands of cases of hypertension and diabetes at less advanced stages and increased awareness of the importance of early detection. Selected facilities implemented patient support groups, which connected individuals with diabetes and hypertension to provide mutual support and encouragement. These groups were very well-received where they were implemented, and substantial demand was expressed to expand these to additional locations. The benefits of increased awareness and empowerment spread beyond HealthRise patients to reach their families and communities. In the US, families shared healthy eating habits by utilizing recipes learned in nutrition classes. In India, patients and providers started walking groups in their communities. As a result of the support and information provided through HealthRise, patients expressed more hope and confidence in their ability to live well despite their NCD diagnosis.

“I would like the clinics to teach people about chronic sickness, everyone not just us so that people will not panic, so that they will know what to do next and they should also encourage people to go test at the clinics, they shouldn’t be afraid to test for any type of sickness, even if they are not sick.” – Patient, South Africa

“They got a device that you take home with you to monitor your blood pressure.” – Patient, Brazil

“I was really grateful for the program because there were so many patients who clearly just didn’t get it and weren’t doing well and were slipping, and I feel like the HealthRise program was really there to catch them.” –Clinic provider, US

“After tests, I came to know and now I believe that even we can have a good life ahead.” – Patient, India

“Each person is their own professional, knows what makes them happy, and knows what they want to work on, and we’re here to listen and support that, support their goals.” – In-home provider, US