Health research conducted over the past 15 years in the Mississippi Delta has continually documented a population experiencing poor health status (high rates of chronic diseases and excessive related mortalities). Both individual and health system resources are scarce in this rural, agrarian region posing barriers to effective chronic disease management. In order to attack this issue, the Delta Community Partners In Care project centering on hypertension and diabetes control, was developed by a consortium of local health care institutions and supported by a national foundation. The intervention model centers on the utilization of a community-based case management approach in 13 clinical sites. Both compliance to pharmacological and individualized nonpharmacological therapy and continuity of care are stressed. Almost 1362 patients have been enrolled over four years. Outcome evaluations demonstrated that the project has been successful in having a number of positive impacts on the population. These impacts include but are not limited to: a significant proportion (N=874) had their blood pressure controlled (P< 0.05), and a significant proportion (N=874) had their blood sugar controlled (P< 0.05). Quality of life measures also showed significant (P< 0.05) improvement over time. This model of chronic disease control focuses on the involvement of both the consumer and provider communities in a concerted effort to overcome barriers to chronic disease management.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the barriers to health care in the Mississippi Delta. 2. Describe and assess the intervention developed to overcome these barriers. 3. Identify how a community-based case management partnership can be developed to help chronically ill patients to manage their disease
Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Barriers to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Delta Community Partners In Care
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.