The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45549

Laura Anderko, RN PhD, School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cunningham Hall 699, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, 414 229-2313, landerko@uwm.edu and Mary Uscian, RNMSC, School of Nursing, Northern Illinois University, 1240 Normal Road, DeKalb, IL 60115-2894.

Limited resources and a lack of providers create a number of barriers for chronically ill Hispanic persons who reside in rural communities. In an effort to improve case management of its diabetic clients, in particular the Hispanic population, the TriCounty Community Health Center, a nurse-managed center that is operated by the Northern Illinois University School of Nursing, spearheaded an academic-community partnership to offer a Diabetic Case Management Clinic to provide comprehensive diabetic care and follow-up. The clinic was planned in collaboration with community health professionals, nursing faculty, and the target population. The following services were offered at the clinic based on identified needs: foot exams, eye exams, supplies (e.g., glucometer strips), assistance with obtaining medications, and health education sessions on diet and exercise. In addition, bilingual community nurses provided translation and arrangements were made for transportation to the Center. Services were free of charge, provided by professionals who volunteered their services including: optometrists, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, faculty and nursing students. Extensive case management was required for the majority of the clients served. Of the ten clients that attended the clinic, two clients required immediate referrals for impending blindness secondary to uncontrolled diabetes; all clients requested glucometer strips; and three clients were referred to the pharmacy assistance program to receive prescribed diabetic medication. Evaluation forms indicated a high level of satisfaction with the clinic experience. Completion of the evaluation process is in progress for the year-end to determine the long-term impact of the clinic and follow-up interventions.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize the importance of establishing community partnerships in rural communities.
• Describe the partnering process and contributions of the partners within the model presented.
• Identify the short- and long-term outcomes from the academic-community partnership.
• Discuss implications of program outcomes for nursing education, administration and public health practice.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Rural Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.