AHRQ campaign encourages Hispanic patients to “take the reins” in health decisions

posted 12.13.11

A new campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality encourages Hispanics to take control of their health, explore treatment options, and work with their health care team to make the best possible treatment decisions. The campaign, Toma Las Riendas (Take the Reins), promotes factual, unbiased treatment information to help Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients and doctors work together to make informed health care decisions. It is based on scientific research regarding treatment options, simplified into easy-to-understand guides.

Central to this effort is providing consumers and clinicians information about treatment options for many common medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, and more. The Effective Health Care Program Spanish-language guides and other resources inform patients about the various treatment options available for their condition and encourage them to work with their physician to select the best treatment option for their situation. The guides give doctors and health care team members information to help them stay up to date on the best available scientific evidence related to the specific health topics.

The campaign kicked off at Telemundo’s Feria de la Familia at the Armory in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Nov. 13. During a pledge ceremony, AHRQ leadership was joined by representatives from several partnering advocacy and clinician organizations committed to supporting this effort to improve health outcomes in the Hispanic community. Partners committed to this effort include Telemundo, the Latino Student Medical Association, National Association of Hispanic Elderly, the District of Columbia Office of Latino Affairs, and the National Center for Farmworkers Health.

To get regularly updated information and engage in ongoing discussions about taking control of your health, visit the AHRQ EHC Program’s Spanish-language Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AHRQehc.espanol. Here, individuals and organizations can “Like” the page, download information about treatment options, watch related health care videos, exchange ideas with others, and participate in an online chat with health experts.

Spanish-language patient guides on heart and vascular system conditions, diabetes, cancer, bone and joint-related conditions, pregnancy, mental health, and digestive system ailments are available for free at go.usa.gov/IYM. To order free printed copies e-mail ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov or call (800) 358-9295. For other free Spanish-language tools, visit www.ahrq.gov/consumer/espanoix.htm.

AHRQ is the lead federal agency charged with improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.