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Henry Ford Health System Adopts Healthy Interactions Conversation Map® Education Program as Standard Curriculum in Diabetes Education - Healthcare Leader Cites Program's Success In Engaging Patients

June 16th, 2009

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DETROIT, Jun 15, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Henry Ford Health System, one of the nation's top rated health systems and recognized visionaries in offering quality care, today formally announced its adoption of Healthy Interactions U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® education program in its diabetes education curriculum, proclaiming them to demonstrate increased effectiveness in helping patients with diabetes live with their condition. The five Conversation Map tools, which were developed in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and sponsored by Merck & Co., are based around large colorful 5 ft by 3 ft discussion displays.

Since introducing the Conversation Map education tools in five full-service diabetes care centers in July 2008, Henry Ford has seen a significant increase of patient completion rates for its diabetes education offerings.

"The Conversation Map tools are fostering a learning environment that is motivating our patients to take control of their health in ways we've not seen before," said Pamela Milan, MBA, RD, CDE and Henry Ford Health System Office of Clinical Quality and Safety Manager. "Our patients are so engaged that they have even created a support network outside of the classroom. They e-mail helpful tips to one another, call to remind each other to take their medications and encourage each other with positive messages. We couldn't be happier."

The experience of Mike Hayes, a patient at Henry Ford Health System, illuminates the point with first-hand insights. First introduced to the Conversation Map this March, one week after being diagnosed with diabetes, Mr. Hayes believes the class has helped him relax and get a grip on how to live with the disease - from portion control to how to correctly administer his medication. The motivated 43-year-old father of three has already shed twenty pounds and is looking forward to his next check-up in June when his progress will be further evaluated.

Mr. Hayes sums it up this way, "The Conversation Map simply brings together all the information you need so you can stop making bad choices that contribute to the disease. The class is so helpful folks should go as soon as they receive the diagnosis, and participate in refreshers to the extent that their insurance carrier allows."

The key to the success of the Diabetes Conversation Map is that a small group of patients use the map as the focal point for discussing and debating the many issues that are so important to people living with diabetes. The trained educator guides them around the various elements on the Map but lets the patients do the talking. The personal engagement that ensues ensures that participants are actively involved and able to make key points personally relevant for them. This interactive style of learning contrasts with the traditional approach of a healthcare professional lecturing patients in a didactic way.

"Henry Ford's experience with the Conversation Map education tools illustrates why take-up of the tools is steadily expanding. With partners like Henry Ford, we are helping to change the way people living with diabetes experience their disease - and in so doing are helping millions of people live their best life," said Peter Gorman, president, Healthy Interactions.

For more information on this program please contact Dwight Angell at Henry Ford Health System (313-876-8709).

About Healthy Interactions

A global leader in health education, Healthy Interactions is devoted to driving Personal Health Engagement™ -- our term for helping individuals commit to healthier actions. We create "Aha! Moments" that inspire people to change personal health behaviors. Healthy Interactions builds partnerships with leading medical and disease associations, not-for-profit organizations, corporations, and caring healthcare professionals trained in our approaches, enabling millions of people to take control of their health and live their best lives. Founded in 2003, Healthy Interactions is headquartered in Chicago. For more information, visit http://www.healthyinteractions.com

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System, one of the country's largest health care systems, integrates primary and specialty care with research and education. It includes the 1,000-member Henry Ford Medical Group, seven owned hospitals, the 500,000-member Health Alliance Plan, 27 primary care centers and many other health-related entities located throughout southeastern Michigan.

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SOURCE: Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford 
Dwight Angell, 313-876-8709 
dangell1@hfhs.org 
or 
Healthy Interactions 
Paul Lasiuk, 312-543-6356 
paullasiuk@healthyi.com

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