COVID-19 Awareness: A 5-Minute Conversation That Makes a Difference

Brought to you by ModernaCOVID-19 Awareness: A 5-Minute Conversation That Makes a Difference As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, it remains crucial to have conversations about the serious health risks associated with the virus. Engaging patients in meaningful discussions about their health, risk factors, and potential outcomes can make a significant impact. The key to this approach is the five-minute conversation — a simple yet effective way to increase COVID-19 awareness.Why Take Five Minutes to Increase COVID Risk Awareness?COVID-19, especially in older patients and those with underlying conditions, continues to have significant effects. Many patients remain unaware of the long-term risks associated with COVID-19 infections, regardless of age or prior health status. By dedicating just five minutes to these discussions, healthcare providers can help patients understand their risks and make informed health decisions.COVID-19’s Impact on Older Patients and Those with ComorbiditiesPatients with underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease face a higher risk of severe COVID-19. Those with liver disease, HIV, cancer, or other immunocompromised conditions are at elevated risk as well.Data highlights that adults aged 65 and older accounted for 87.9% of in-hospital deaths linked to COVID-19. Research shows that individuals with underlying conditions are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those without these conditions. This highlights the importance of discussing COVID-19 risks with patients who may be vulnerable.Starting the Conversation: Empowering Patients in 5 MinutesFor many patients, the wealth of information about COVID-19 has been overwhelming, and some may feel they don’t need additional guidance. This is where the five-minute conversation comes in. By offering relevant information and encouraging questions, healthcare providers can empower patients to make informed decisions. Here are five approaches to start the conversation:Make a Personal Connection: A simple statement like, “You’ve been my patient for years. Let’s talk about the potential effects of COVID given your health history,” helps personalize the conversation and encourages engagement. Empower Patients to Ask Questions: COVID-19 information can be confusing. Providers can ask, “Do you have any questions for me today about the potential effects of COVID-19?” This opens the door for dialogue and clears up uncertainties. Offer Relevant Information: Tailor the information based on a patient’s age and medical history. A statement like, “Based on your health history, I’d like to share some information about the long-term risks of COVID-19,” ensures the conversation is focused and useful. Inspire Awareness: Patients may be unaware of the long-term risks of COVID-19. Asking, “Are you aware of the long-term risks associated with COVID-19 infections?” can prompt patients to consider how the virus might impact them. Acknowledge Their Risk: If a patient has a condition that puts them at higher risk, such as chronic lung disease, providers should acknowledge it. For example, “Since you’ve been diagnosed with ____, I’d like to share how COVID might affect people with your condition.”Keep Cultural Sensitivity in MindWhen having these discussions, it’s important to be mindful of cultural nuances, racial or ethnic backgrounds, and family dynamics, all of which can influence healthcare decisions. U.S. studies have shown that minority groups such as Native American, African American, and Hispanic populations face higher rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death compared to non-Hispanic White populations. Acknowledging these factors can make the conversation more meaningful.Conclusion: Why These Conversations MatterThe impact of COVID-19 on individuals with underlying medical conditions is significant. Taking five minutes to initiate a conversation can make a lasting difference. Providing patients with relevant information, addressing their questions, and acknowledging their personal risks empowers them to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing long-term risks or potential outcomes, these brief yet meaningful conversations can ultimately save lives.Register to Moderna Atlas, a Moderna-owned resource focused on mRNA therapeutics, to learn more about The 5-Minute Conversation. Moderna Atlas provides scientific and clinical educational resources tailored to support the learning needs of healthcare professionals.

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