Ensuring Equitable Patient Care in DME: Unconscious Bias Training and SDOH Screening

EP: 1.Addressing Barriers to Health Equity: The Role of Timely Diagnosis and Health Literacy in Managing Diabetic Eye Disease

EP: 2.Challenges in Diabetes Therapy Adherence: Impact on Early Intervention and Long-Term Visual Outcomes

EP: 3.Improving Patient Adherence in Diabetic Macular Edema Eye Care

EP: 4.Impact of Step Therapy and Prior Authorization Requirements in Ophthalmology Practice

EP: 5.Physician Advocacy for Patient Access: Navigating Medication Authorization Challenges

EP: 6.Diversity and Inclusion in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust

EP: 7.Community Engagement and Long-Term Commitment: Fostering Trust and Collaboration in Clinical Trials for Ophthalmology

EP: 8.Addressing Differences in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Diabetes: The Role of Community Engagement

EP: 9.Promoting Equitable Patient Care: A Call for Self-Reflection and Awareness Among Providers

EP: 10.DME Disparities: Socioeconomic Impact and Health Equity

EP: 11.Provider Roles and Collaborative Efforts for DME Disparities

EP: 12.Closing Gaps in DME Care: Harnessing the Power of Comprehensive Data Strategies

Now Viewing

EP: 13.Ensuring Equitable Patient Care in DME: Unconscious Bias Training and SDOH Screening

EP: 14.Collaborations and Inclusivity for Equitable DME Care

EP: 15.Building An Equitable Future: Strategies for DME Advocacy

This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Amy Nguyen Howell, MD, MBA.

Howell discusses best practices for educating patients from diverse backgrounds about diabetic macular edema (DME) and its management. Howell emphasizes 2 key practices implemented in her organization. Firstly, providing unconscious bias training is crucial for all staff, including front line, back office, and administrative staff. Acknowledging that everyone has biases, the training aims to raise awareness and guide staff on mitigating biases to ensure optimal patient care.

Secondly, Howell highlights the importance of screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) using tools like the PREPARE tool from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This 21-question survey tool, integrated into case management platforms or electronic health records, helps identify barriers to care such as transportation challenges or work permissions. Screening for SDOH enables care teams to tailor treatment plans, considering factors like telehealth visits for patients with transportation barriers and addressing employer-related obstacles to regular treatments. Howell underscores the significance of these practices in enhancing patient care and addressing disparities in DME management.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC^® editorial staff.