Milken Institute Lists Responsum for CKD Among Top Education and Health Communication Platforms to Improve Health Literacy for CKD
The Milken Institute has listed Responsum Health’s Responsum for CKD app among the top education and health communication platforms to improve health literacy for CKD.
The Institute, an independent, nonprofit think tank, harnesses the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of some of the most innovative thinkers worldwide to help solve global crises. Milken’s Center for Public Health (CPH) develops research studies, programs, and initiatives designed to find sustainable solutions to critical health issues. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one such issue.
CKD affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States alone. Underlying chronic medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease–the top risk factors for CKD–have reached “epidemic proportions,” according to the CPH’s recent report Chronic Kidney Disease: Finding a Path to Prevention, Earlier Detection, and Management.
To this end, the CPH conducted a widespread assessment of resources in the CKD healthcare space, as well as two virtual conferences with diverse stakeholders in the public and private health sectors, including thought leaders, healthcare providers, community organizations and advocates, subject matter experts, business executives, and government partners.
The Chronic Kidney Disease: Finding a Path to Prevention, Earlier Detection, and Management report is the result of that intensive exploration. The report outlines eight areas that emerged as key focuses for action, one of which is to Invest in Education and Health Communication Platforms to Improve Health Literacy for CKD.
Figure 3: Pathway to catalyze Change In The CKD Ecosystem. Chronic Kidney Disease: Roadmap to Prevention, Earlier Detection, and Management. Milken Institute (2022).
The goal, therefore, is to increase individual engagement in CKD prevention and management through knowledge, active engagement, and self-advocacy. “In addition to promoting health education and providing access to care,” the report states, “it is essential to improve public health literacy. People should feel empowered to better understand their wellness and have access to accurate health information to make informed decisions.”
One actionable step the report recommends is providing user-friendly, easily-navigable digital health technology to aid and expedite the patient empowerment process. Fortunately, this has been Responsum for CKD’s mission since its inception in 2020, and we are proud to be recognized as a leading resource for community members, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
“Each stakeholder must work collaboratively to empower and involve communities in decision-making processes to improve the community’s health,” the report asserts.
“Identify engaging ways for people to understand and participate in their health. Interact with people impacted by CKD via online platforms such as Responsum Health’s Patient Empowerment app.”