We are proud to tell our story, but we think the people we serve tell it best.
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Conversation Map® Facilitators
“It’s good to get down to the patients' level in a non-threatening way. A patient told me that it was a blessing to have this to get through a difficult time.”
– Mitzi, RN, CDE
“The Diabetes Conversation maps are an excellent tool that ALL diabetes educators should be using. The maps and training were above and beyond my expectations.”
– Suzanne, RN, CDE
“On behalf of my team, I would like to thank you once again for the great in - service on the Conversation Map. It was enjoyable and informative. I know this will be a wonderful addition to our wellness program and the patients will enjoy it. Thank you so much!”
– Joyce, Mental/Behavioral Health
“I have had great success with the Conversation Maps! My patients are learning better and learning from each other. As the group gets to know one another, I am in the background letting them peer - teach each other. My groups are mixed with long term diagnosed and newly diagnosed and this is a great way to help patients learn about their disease and how they can manage in the “real world” as shown on the maps. I will not go back to teaching the old didactic way!”
– Nancy, RD, LDN, CDE
"I was using the Conversation Map for a class of six patients at a Community Health Center. Getting [patients] to come to classes for any education is difficult. [The first] class went well using Map number one, covering general diabetes information.
I was so surprised to see that my [second] class size had doubled!! One patient brought two friends, some brought family members, but all returned for class two. This was almost unheard of in this setting. I asked them how I was so lucky to get all these people and the response was overwhelmingly 'we had fun last week!"
I am using the Conversation Maps on a regular basis both for classes and for support groups. I think they are ‘out of the box’ teaching tools and I love them. Apparently, my patients do too!”
– Pam, RN BC MSN CDE
"Since using the maps, I have seen the class transform from a group of adults that showed no excitement to be in class — and actually some voiced resentment — to a group who was laughing, engaged, and actually having fun while learning. The A1C’s in our patients have dropped more so with the maps than previous methods of instruction, and our return rate for classes went from 0-50% to 95-100% immediately. Patient and families are actually retaining information and WANTING to learn. With this enthusiasm, the patients take care of themselves and absorb and apply the necessary information.”
– Kristi, RN
"We started using Conversation Maps as part of our outpatient Diabetes Education Center’s Refresher program. I’ve been impressed by how learning occurs. While answering each other’s questions, the participants verbalize what they already know and what they need to learn and struggle with. The psychosocial benefits are obvious and immediate. One session in particular stands out. When the participants were introducing themselves and describing their learning needs, one patient burst into tears. She described her frustration through the sobs. For next two hours, the other participants gently worked to make her feel better. 'This is what I do, you should try it,' they encouraged.”
– Virginia, APRN, BC - ADM, MA, CDE
Pharma Sponsors
“The sessions were extremely well received, and I believe this to be a significant resource that we can bring to our Managed Care Customers.”
– Merck Representative
“The session was very successful. In fact, a couple of educators attended because they had a colleague that was at a previous training and told them how great it was and that they must go themselves. I am looking forward to hearing great stories from our educators as they use the maps in their own practices.”
– Merck Representative
Conversation Map® Particpants
"Informative, personalized, individualized. I can ask personal questions about our medications without feeling ashamed. The classes help with my diabetes journey and make me feel I am not alone, I feel as if I am part of a team. Interactions with other diabetes patients — covers all educational and motivational aspects to work on my health issues. 100%"
– Sharon, Participant
"The diabetes educator enhances the experience by making sure that everyone in the group is engaged expressing what their needs are and all of the concerns are heard and resolved. I keep coming back to encourage the other patients and watch their progress because we are a team in diabetes care and management."
– Ben, Participant
"For the last several months, my doctor has been advising me to start taking insulin to lower my blood sugars. I was afraid to take insulin as I am afraid of needles and insulin means that I have failed with my diabetes. I wanted to keep on trying to improve my diet and exercise more to avoid going on insulin…I felt like a failure as nothing worked for me even that I have been trying my best. It was unlit one of the Map sessions, one patient pulled out her insulin pen that I realized that I can do it. Seeing another patient being able to take insulin and telling me that inulin makes things easier — I went back to the doctor and told him I am ready for insulin."
– Mary, Participant
“I attended a diabetes class some years ago and felt like I learned nothing. The teachers were boring and it was a subject I was forced to deal with and didn't necessarily choose to study. I came here reluctantly today and I am so glad that I did. I actually enjoyed learning today. I feel a new energy to take care of my diabetes and I cant wait to learn more this way”
- Irene, Participant
(Note: This patient came to first class with an A1C of 17%. It has come down to 6.8% and now she attends almost every class as support for other patients.)
"This has changed my life. This way of teaching took away all the fear and angst and made it fun to learn about diabetes. I was dreading coming here today, but now, I cannot wait to come back for the next class! It made me want to learn more."
- Edwin, Participant