Table 1: Phases and timeline for initiative.
PHASE ACTIONS TOOL(S) TIMEFRAME
Phase I
  1. Review and selection of diabetic education materials;
  2. In-service training sessions;
  3. Training of staff related to the NVS assessment.
  • Patient education materials written around a 5th grade reading level
  • Demonstration of proper communication techniques and teachback methods
1 Month
Phase II
  1. Addition of the NVS assessment tool to determine the health literacy level of each patient;
  2. Collection of pre-initiative blood samples and vital signs;
  3. Enhanced patient education;
  4. Q & A session for enhanced patient understanding.
  5. Schedule follow-up return to clinic visit in 3 months
  • The Newest Vital Sign Health Literacy Assessment Tool
  • Blood samples for A1C and cholesterol; Blood pressure measurement
  • Teach-Back Method
  • Plain language communication
All completed during routine office visit NVS approximately 3 minutes to administer and score

Follow-up reinforcement as needed based on level of health literacy
Phase III
  1. Post-initiative assessment of A1C level, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  2. Assess for further educational needs
  3. Retrospective data collection and analysis
  • Blood samples for A1C and cholesterol; Blood pressure measurement
  • Quantitative Analysis using SPSS
Completed during office visit 3 months after initial collection

Completed 1 month post data collection