Development of a computerized intervention to improve health literacy in older Hispanics with type 2 diabetes using a pharmacist supervised comprehensive medication management

Objective The primary objective was to develop a computerized culturally adapted health literacy intervention for older Hispanics with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Secondary objectives were to assess the usability and acceptability of the intervention by older Hispanics with T2D and clinical pharmacists providing comprehensive medication management (CMM). Materials and methods The study occurred in three phases. During phase I, an integration approach (i.e., quantitative assessments, qualitative interviews) was used to develop the intervention and ensure cultural suitability. In phase II, the intervention was translated to Spanish and modified based on data obtained in phase I. During phase III, the intervention was tested for usability/acceptability. Results Thirty participants (25 older Hispanics with T2D, 5 clinical pharmacists) were included in the study. Five major themes emerged from qualitative interviews and were included in the intervention: 1) financial considerations, 2) polypharmacy, 3) social/family support, 4) access to medication/information, and 5) loneliness/sadness. Participants felt the computerized intervention developed was easy to use, culturally appropriate, and relevant to their needs. Pharmacists agreed the computerized intervention streamlined patient counseling, offered a tailored approach when conducting CMM, and could save them time. Conclusion The ability to offer individualized patient counseling based on information gathered from the computerized intervention allows for precision counseling. Future studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the developed computerized intervention on adherence and health outcomes.

Automated summary

The study aimed to develop a culturally adapted computerized health literacy intervention for older Hispanics with type 2 diabetes and evaluate its usability and acceptability. Results showed that the developed intervention was perceived as easy to use, culturally appropriate, and relevant by participants, while clinical pharmacists acknowledged the streamlined counseling process, tailored approach, and time-saving potential of the intervention.