DECIDE Programs
DECIDE is flexible for delivery in a variety of formats to suit the differing needs of organizations and individuals. You can choose a program version to for your population's preferences and needs.
DECIDE In-Person Program
The DECIDE In-Person Program is conducted by a trained DECIDE Facilitator and can be done in group or one-on-one formats. The In-Person program is implemented over a series of 9 sessions (one session per content module) and uses a DECIDE Facilitator Guide and a hard copy DECIDE program workbook for participants. The In-Person program can be conducted in a variety of settings including health care practices, public health settings, and community settings. Facilitators complete DECIDE Facilitator Training and certification to be eligible to lead the program.
DECIDE Telehealth Program
Health care and public health organizations providing telehealth and digital communication services can provide the DECIDE program in real time to program participants through this remote access. A DECIDE Facilitator conducts the series of 9 DECIDE program sessions live, with program participants accessing the program via telehealth. Telehealth has the advantages of a DECIDE In-Person Program delivery, scaled to large numbers of participants who can access the sessions from convenient locations.
DECIDE Self-Directed Program
DECIDE Self-Directed Program users can navigate through the DECIDE program modules from anywhere, and at their own pace. The DECIDE curriculum is available in hard-copy workbooks that can be mailed to users completing the program. The Self-Directed Program hard-copy workbooks come with an introductory and instructional letter go guide the user. The DECIDE curriculum can also be made available as a pdf for users to access electronically and download for use. Organizations can provide links to the electronic DECIDE workbooks via an electronic health record, website, or through email.
DECIDE for Visual Impairment or Blindness
The DECIDE curriculum modules and Facilitator Guide are available in audio and in Braille for people with visual impairment or blindness and organizations serving people with visual impairment or blindness. DECIDE can be implemented using In-Person, Telehealth, or Self-Directed formats with these accessible materials.
DECIDE for Multiple Chronic Conditions
The structured program format enables DECIDE to serve effectively as a platform for patient self-management training in any chronic condition. Module 1 is self-management education tailored to the specific condition. Modules 2 – 9 provide a standardized problem-solving training approach that applies across conditions. Examples of applications of DECIDE include diabetes with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, mental health, hypertension, and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people at risk.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Selected by the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes Self-Management Support (DSMS) Initiative as an evidence-based DSMS program, DECIDE has over 10 years of research demonstrating its effectiveness in improving diabetes and cardiovascular disease self-management and outcomes in diabetes populations. DECIDE has been used with adults ranging in age from 18 – 90 years, in urban and rural settings, clinics and communities, and representing racial and ethnic diversity. The DECIDE diabetes self-management program provides one All the Facts education module tailored to self-management of diabetes and high blood pressure and cholesterol, followed by the 8 problem-solving training modules for behavior change.
One current study, Bridge to Health, is examining the effectiveness of a community health worker (CHW) navigation intervention paired with the DECIDE self-management support program on A1C reduction among racial and ethnic minority and low-income Kaiser Permanente Northwest patients with poorly managed diabetes (Principal investigator Stephanie L. Fitzpatrick, PhD).
Chronic Kidney Disease
DECIDE has a chronic kidney disease program version, Living With Kidney Disease. This version provides an All the Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease initial self-management education module, followed by the 8 problem-solving training modules for behavior change. The chronic kidney disease self-management program is being used in the PREPARE NOW study, which is improving the health system model of care for people with chronic kidney disease as they transition through early stages of kidney disease to later stages. PREPARE NOW is implemented at Geisinger Health System, with Duke University principal investigator Dr. Ebony Boulware and Geisinger principal investigator Dr. Jamie Green.
Mental Health
A mental health version of DECIDE provides an All the Facts self-management education module tailored to mental health symptoms and self-management knowledge, followed by the 8 problem-solving training modules for behavior change. A current study is using the DECIDE mental health program version with underserved, immigrant Latina women with a history of trauma—specifically adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Principal investigator Dr. Carmen Alvarez is examining effectiveness of the DECIDE mental health program as an intervention to improve psychosocial well-being, self-management, and symptom reduction in Baltimore, MD.