Network


Latest external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.

Hotspot


Dive into the research topics where Victoria Hawk is active.

Publication


Featured researches published by Victoria Hawk.


Nursing Outlook | 2011

Developing and testing the health literacy universal precautions toolkit

Darren A. DeWalt; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Victoria Hawk; Cindy Brach; Ashley Hink; Rima E. Rudd; Leigh F. Callahan

The health literacy demands of the healthcare system often exceed the health literacy skills of Americans. This article reviews the development of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions (HLUP) Toolkit, commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and designed to help primary care practices structure the delivery of care as if every patient may have limited health literacy. The development of the toolkit spanned 2 years and consisted of 3 major tasks: (1) developing individual tools (modules explaining how to use or implement a strategy to minimize the effects of low health literacy), using existing health literacy resources when possible, (2) testing individual tools in clinical practice and assembling them into a prototype toolkit, and (3) testing the prototype toolkit in clinical practice. Testing revealed that practices will use tools that are concise and actionable and are not perceived as being resource intensive. Conducting practice self-assessments and generating enthusiasm among staff were key elements for successful implementation. Implementing practice changes required more time than anticipated and some knowledge of quality improvement techniques. In sum, the HLUP Toolkit holds promise as a means of improving primary care for people with limited health literacy, but further testing is needed.


The Diabetes Educator | 2009

The Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET) Materials to Facilitate Diabetes Education and Management in Patients With Low Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Kathleen Wolff; Kerri L. Cavanaugh; Robb Malone; Victoria Hawk; Becky Pratt Gregory; Dianne Davis; Kenneth A. Wallston; Russell L. Rothman

Purpose Diabetes self-management education is an important component of comprehensive diabetes care. Patients with low health literacy and numeracy may have difficulty translating information from traditional diabetes educational programs and materials into effective self-care. Methods To address this potential barrier to successful diabetes teaching and counseling, the authors developed the Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET). Conclusion The DLNET is composed of 24 interactive modules covering standard diabetes care topics that can be customized to individual patient needs and used by all members of the multidisciplinary diabetes care team. The materials content and formatting aims to improve the ease of use for diabetes patients with low literacy and numeracy by adhering to a lower text reading level, using illustrations for key concepts, and color-coding and other accommodations to guide patients through instructions for self-care. Individual sections of the DLNET may be provided to patients for initial teaching, as well as for reinforcement. Although designed for lower literacy and numeracy skills, the DLNET provides unique materials to facilitate diabetes education for all patients.


Circulation | 2012

Multisite Randomized Trial of a Single-Session Versus Multisession Literacy-Sensitive Self-Care Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure

Darren A. DeWalt; Dean Schillinger; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; David W. Baker; George M. Holmes; Morris Weinberger; Aurelia Macabasco-O'Connell; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Victoria Hawk; Kathleen L. Grady; Brian Erman; Carla A. Sueta; Patricia P. Chang; Crystal W. Cené; Jia Rong Wu; Christine D Jones; Michael Pignone

Background— Self-care training can reduce hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and more intensive intervention may benefit more vulnerable patients, including those with low literacy. Methods and Results— A 1-year, multisite, randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial with 605 patients with HF was conducted. Those randomized to a single session received a 40-minute in-person, literacy-sensitive training; the multisession group received the same initial training and then ongoing telephone-based support. The primary outcome was combined incidence of all-cause hospitalization or death; secondary outcomes included HF-related hospitalization and HF-related quality of life, with prespecified stratification by literacy. Overall, the incidence of all-cause hospitalization and death did not differ between intervention groups (incidence rate ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.22). The effect of multisession training compared with single-session training differed by literacy group: Among those with low literacy, the multisession training yielded a lower incidence of all-cause hospitalization and death (incidence rate ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–1.25), and among those with higher literacy, the multisession intervention yielded a higher incidence (incidence rate ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.50; interaction P=0.048). For HF-related hospitalization, among those with low literacy, multisession training yielded a lower incidence (incidence rate ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–1.12), and among those with higher literacy, it yielded a higher incidence (incidence rate ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.88; interaction P=0.005). HF-related quality of life improved more for patients receiving multisession than for those receiving single-session interventions at 1 and 6 months, but the difference at 12 months was smaller. Effects on HF-related quality of life did not differ by literacy. Conclusions— Overall, an intensive multisession intervention did not change clinical outcomes compared with a single-session intervention. People with low literacy appear to benefit more from multisession interventions than people with higher literacy. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00378950.


Journal of Health Communication | 2011

“Teach to Goal”: Theory and Design Principles of an Intervention to Improve Heart Failure Self-Management Skills of Patients with Low Health Literacy

David W. Baker; Darren A. DeWalt; Dean Schillinger; Victoria Hawk; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Morris Weinberger; Aurelia Macabasco-O'Connell; Michael Pignone

Self-management is vital for achieving optimal health outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF). We sought to develop an intervention to improve self-management skills and behaviors for patients with HF, especially those with low health literacy. Individuals with low health literacy have difficulty reading and understanding written information and comprehending numerical information and performing calculations, and they tend to have worse baseline knowledge, short-term memory, and working memory compared with individuals with higher health literacy. This paper describes theoretical models that suggest methods to improve the design of educational curricula and programs for low literate audiences, including cognitive load theory and learning mastery theory. We also outline the practical guiding principles for designing our intervention, which includes a multisession educational strategy that teaches patients self-care skills until they reach behavioral goals (“Teach to Goal”). Our intervention strategy is being tested in a randomized controlled trial to determine if it is superior to a single-session brief educational intervention for reducing hospitalization and death. If this trial shows that the “Teach to Goal” approach is superior, it would support the value of incorporating these design principles into educational interventions for other diseases.


BMC Health Services Research | 2009

Comparison of a one-time educational intervention to a teach-to-goal educational intervention for self-management of heart failure: design of a randomized controlled trial

Darren A. DeWalt; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Victoria Hawk; David W. Baker; Dean Schillinger; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Mark Holmes; Morris Weinberger; Aurelia Macabasco-O'Connell; Michael Pignone

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is common, costly and associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life, particularly for patients with low socioeconomic status. Self-management training has been shown to reduce HF related morbidity and hospitalization rates, but there is uncertainty about how best to deliver such training and what patients benefit. This study compares a single session self-management HF training program against a multiple session training intervention and examines whether their effects differ by literacy level.Methods/DesignIn this randomized controlled multi-site trial, English and Spanish-speaking patients are recruited from university-affiliated General Internal Medicine and Cardiology clinics at 4 sites across the United States. Eligible patients have HF with New York Heart Association class II-IV symptoms and are prescribed a loop diuretic. Baseline data, including literacy level, are collected at enrollment and follow-up surveys are conducted at 1, 6 and 12 monthsUpon enrollment, both the control and intervention groups receive the same 40 minute, literacy-sensitive, in-person, HF education session covering the 4 key self-management components of daily self assessment and having a plan, salt avoidance, exercise, and medication adherence. All participants also receive a literacy-sensitive workbook and a digital bathroom scale. After the baseline education was completed, patients are randomly allocated to return to usual care or to receive ongoing education and training. The intervention group receives an additional 20 minutes of education on weight and symptom-based diuretic self-adjustment, as well as periodic follow-up phone calls from the educator over the course of 1 year. These phone calls are designed to reinforce the education, assess participant knowledge of the education and address barriers to success.The primary outcome is the combined incidence of all cause hospitalization and death. Secondary outcomes include HF-related quality of life, HF-related hospitalizations, knowledge regarding HF, self-care behavior, and self-efficacy. The effects of each intervention will be stratified by patient literacy, in order to identify any differential effects.DiscussionEnrollment of the proposed 660 subjects will continue through the end of 2009. Outcome assessments are projected to be completed by early 2011.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT00378950


Journal of Cardiac Failure | 2012

Is adherence to weight monitoring or weight-based diuretic self-adjustment associated with fewer heart failure-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations?

Christine D Jones; George M. Holmes; Darren A. DeWalt; Brian Erman; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Victoria Hawk; Crystal W. Cené; Jia Rong Wu; Michael Pignone

BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) self-care interventions can improve outcomes, but less than optimal adherence may limit their effectiveness. We evaluated if adherence to weight monitoring and diuretic self-adjustment was associated with HF-related emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a case-control analysis nested in a HF self-care randomized trial. Participants received HF self-care training, including weight monitoring and diuretic self-adjustment, which they were to record in a diary. We defined case time periods as HF-related ED visits or hospitalizations in the 7 preceding days; control time periods were defined as 7-day periods free of ED visits and hospitalizations. We used logistic regression to compare weight monitoring and diuretic self-adjustment adherence in case and control time periods, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates. Among 303 participants, we identified 81 HF-related ED visits or hospitalizations (cases) in 54 patients over 1 year of follow-up. Weight monitoring adherence (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.76) and diuretic self-adjustment adherence (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19-0.98) were both associated with lower adjusted odds of HF-related ED visits or hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to weight monitoring and diuretic self-adjustment was associated with lower odds of HF-related ED visits or hospitalizations. Adherence to these activities may reduce HF-related morbidity.


BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | 2014

Self-reported recall and daily diary-recorded measures of weight monitoring adherence: Associations with heart failure-related hospitalization

Christine D Jones; George M. Holmes; Darren A. DeWalt; Brian Erman; Jia Rong Wu; Crystal W. Cené; David W. Baker; Dean Schillinger; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Aurelia Macabasco-O’Connell; Victoria Hawk; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Michael Pignone

BackgroundWeight monitoring is an important element of HF self-care, yet the most clinically meaningful way to evaluate weight monitoring adherence is uncertain. We conducted this study to evaluate the association of (1) self-reported recall and (2) daily diary-recorded weight monitoring adherence with heart failure-related (HF-related) hospitalization.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study among 216 patients within a randomized trial of HF self-care training. All patients had an initial self-care training session followed by 15 calls (median) to reinforce educational material; patients were also given digital scales, instructed to weigh daily, record weights in a diary, and mail diaries back monthly. Weight monitoring adherence was assessed with a self-reported recall question administered at 12 months and dichotomized into at least daily versus less frequent weighing. Diary-recorded weight monitoring was evaluated over 12 months and dichotomized into ≥80% and <80% adherence. HF-related hospitalizations were ascertained through patient report and confirmed through record review.ResultsOver 12 months in 216 patients, we identified 50 HF-related hospitalizations. Patients self-reporting daily or more frequent weight monitoring had an incidence rate ratio of 1.34 (95% CI 0.24-7.32) for HF-related hospitalizations compared to those reporting less frequent weight monitoring. Patients who completed ≥80% of weight diaries had an IRR of 0.37 (95% CI 0.18-0.75) for HF-related hospitalizations compared to patients who completed <80% of weight diaries.ConclusionsSelf-reported recall of weight monitoring adherence was not associated with fewer HF hospitalizations. In contrast, diary-recorded adherence ≥80% of days was associated with fewer HF-related hospitalizations. Incorporating diary-based measures of weight monitoring adherence into HF self-care training programs may help to identify patients at risk for HF-related hospitalizations.


Research in Social & Administrative Pharmacy | 2013

Adaptation of the health literacy universal precautions toolkit for rheumatology and cardiology – Applications for pharmacy professionals to improve self-management and outcomes in patients with chronic disease

Leigh F. Callahan; Victoria Hawk; Rima E. Rudd; Betsy Hackney; Sonia Bhandari; Lindsay P. Prizer; Thomas K. Bauer; Beth Jonas; Philip Mendys; Darren A. DeWalt

Over a decade of research in health literacy has provided evidence of strong links between literacy skills of patients and health outcomes. At the same time, numerous studies have yielded insight into efficacious action that health providers can take to mitigate the negative effects of limited literacy. This small study focuses on the adaptation, review and use of two new health literacy toolkits for health professionals who work with patients with two of the most prevalent chronic conditions, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Pharmacists have a key role in communicating with patients and caregivers about various aspects of disease self-management, which frequently includes appropriate use of medications. Participating pharmacists and staff offered suggestions that helped shape revisions and reported positive experiences with brown bag events, suggestions for approaches with patients managing chronic diseases, and with concrete examples related to several medicines [such as Warfarin(©)] as well as to common problems [such as inability to afford needed medicine]. Although not yet tested in community pharmacy sites, these publically available toolkits can inform professionals and staff and offer insights for communication improvement.


Journal of General Internal Medicine | 2011

Relationship Between Literacy, Knowledge, Self-Care Behaviors, and Heart Failure-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Heart Failure

Aurelia Macabasco-O'Connell; Darren A. DeWalt; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Victoria Hawk; David W. Baker; Dean Schillinger; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; George M. Holmes; Brian Erman; Morris Weinberger; Michael Pignone


Journal of Cardiac Failure | 2011

The Effect of Progressive, Reinforcing Telephone Education and Counseling Versus Brief Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Self-Care Behaviors and Heart Failure Symptoms

David W. Baker; Darren A. DeWalt; Dean Schillinger; Victoria Hawk; Bernice Ruo; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Morris Weinberger; Aurelia Macabasco-O'Connell; K.L. Grady; George M. Holmes; Brian Erman; Kimberly A. Broucksou; Michael Pignone

Collaboration


Dive into the Victoria Hawk's collaboration.

Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Darren A. DeWalt

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Michael Pignone

University of Texas at Austin

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Brian Erman

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Bernice Ruo

Northwestern University

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Kimberly A. Broucksou

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

George M. Holmes

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

View shared research outputs
Researchain Logo
Decentralizing Knowledge