Prevention/Care Management, 2012

Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin Uses AHRQ's Video for Men's Health Outreach

August 2012

The Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin in Texas used AHRQ's "Real Men Wear Gowns" video in conferences held in 2009 and 2010. The video is part of AHRQ's "Questions Are the Answer" public education campaign that encourages patients to ask questions during their medical visits.

Raynetta Williams, Benefits Counselor for the Agency, says, "I used AHRQ's 'Real Men Wear Gowns' video for two conferences designed for men. The video was wonderful and really spoke to the point that every man needs to take charge of and manage his own health."

The Area Agency on Aging conferences were held in Midland, Texas, and were open to the public. Issues addressed included diabetes, macular degeneration, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and arthritis. Attendees also discussed why men—more so than women—do not seek medical help until it is often too late. A representative from the Texas Department of Insurance presented information on health care reform and the preventive health care services offered by Medicare, complementing the focus on men's health care management.

The events were advertised through television, radio, and flyers. Despite the extensive advertising of the conferences, Williams says, "The men just didn't sign up as I had hoped. The first conference was attended by 22 men; the second one had 11 men and one spouse." However, Williams adds, "Those attending thought the video really spoke to them, as well as their families."

One attendee, O.J. Archie, says, "Victory comes to victors, not victims. To be a victor requires a will to overcome adversity. Had I not been proactive concerning my own health, my outcome could have been different. Real men do wear gowns. They go to the doctor and are checked. It means putting on that gown and having a physical. Having a cancer diagnosis is never easy but because I had my checkups, it was found early. That diagnosis was almost 20 years ago and I am still here; still living, still loving, and still wearing that gown to be checked. I am not a victim, I am a victor."

Williams concludes, "I really love the video; it is powerful, relevant, timely, creative, and accurate. It is short but direct, and challenges the concept of what constitutes a 'real man' versus what society has identified as one. It encourages men to take charge and manage their health in order to enjoy what good health can bring—not only to their lives but the lives of their families—while still being a 'real man.'"

More information about the Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin is available at http://www.aaapb.com .

Impact Case Study Identifier: CP3-12-05
AHRQ Product: Questions Are the Answer
Topic(s): Men's Health
Scope: Texas

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Current as of August 2012

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Internet Citation:

Impact Case Studies and Knowledge Transfer Case Studies: Prevention/Care Management, 2012. August 2012. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/about/casestudies/pcm/pcm2012.htm

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