This Equity and Innovation Grant aims to reduce the readmission rates for diabetic patients across ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. By translating existing educational discharge materials into multiple ANHPI languages, they have made strides in providing equitable care and making critical public health resources more accessible.  

In 2021, a performance improvement initiative identified a trend: Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander patients at ZSFG were experiencing higher readmission rates following discharge counseling for diabetes. Equity and Innovation grantee Dr. Liseli Mulala, Discharge Pharmacist, led efforts to translate and adapt the pharmacy department’s educational diabetes materials, making them more culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible to better serve diverse populations.   

The pharmacy department successfully translated and disseminated various resources, including educational videos, meal plans, and prevention strategies tailored to the diverse patient population at ZSFG. These updated materials transformed the patient-care experience and provided essential diabetes education. Dr. Mulala and her team tailored each pamphlet to certain ethnic groups, providing personalized definitions of medical terms, blood-sugar management strategies, exercise recommendations, and smart food recommendations.  

The grant also allowed Dr. Mulala and her team to obtain new printing equipment. This enabled the department to provide patients with more visually engaging pamphlets, such as the “Healthy Plates” pamphlets, which break down the macronutrient and caloric values of common ethnic foods, and personalized “Diabetes Toolkits” that are fully translated with robust exercise and medication instructions, accompanied by interactive resources.   

Empowered to take control of their health, patients have expressed immense gratitude for the newly translated materials, highlighting the benefits of being able to enjoy cultural traditions and food choices while prioritizing their health.  

Since distributing these new resources in print and through virtual consultations, Dr. Mulala and her team have seen a significant reduction in readmission rates among AANHPI patients in 2023. This positive outcome showcases how the team has improved health management without sacrificing connection to culture, reinforcing the importance of culturally sensitive care in promoting overall well-being.

The expansion of diabetes education to accommodate patients’ cultural and linguistic needs exemplifies ZSFG’s commitment to developing a holistic and empowering care experience. The pharmacy department seeks to expand initiatives beyond diabetic education further, enhancing San Francisco’s health through patient-centric interventions.