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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Evaluating the complementary benefits of community health workers to a successful nurse-directed diabetes management program for underserved Hispanic patients

Kenneth S Babamoto, PharmD, MPH1, Maria Castellanos, RN2, Mayer B. Davidson, MD3, Vicki J Karlan, MPH4, and Angela J. Camilleri, MPH, MA1. (1) Community Health, Pfizer Health Solutions, 2400 Broadway, Suite 500, Santa Monica, CA 90404, 310-586-2508, ken.babamoto@pfizer.com, (2) Hubert Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center, 5850 South Main Street, Room 2113, Los Angeles, CA 90004, (3) Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059, (4) Outcomes and Analytics, Pfizer Health Solutions, 2400 Broadway, Suite 500, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Hispanics comprise the largest and fastest growing minority group in the US. In Los Angeles County, Hispanics represent 44% of the population. A significant health disparity exists for Hispanics, as they are disproportionately affected by diabetes and experience greater barriers to accessing appropriate care compared to non-Hispanic whites. This indicates a substantial need for innovative intervention models appropriate to Hispanics. One effective model of care in treating Hispanics with diabetes was demonstrated by a nurse-directed intervention program supported by detailed care protocols under a diabetologist’s direction. To enhance the effectiveness, community health workers (CHWs) supporting this nurse-directed care model were evaluated.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles and Pfizer Health Solutions implemented a Hispanic diabetes education program, “Amigos en Salud”, to study the impact of trained CHWs working with a nurse-directed intervention. CHWs support patients using culturally and literacy appropriate, individual and group education sessions for diabetes self-management. 153 underserved Hispanic adults with diabetes were enrolled in the CHW/Nurse intervention group, and compared to a control group. At baseline, the intervention group reported deficiencies in health status (81% self-rated as “fair-poor”), exercise (47% physically inactive), nutrition (83% consume <3 servings of vegetables/day). 40% reported depression severity score of moderate-severe. Initial results indicate that CHW interventions focusing on behavior change, mental health, and healthcare barriers may enhance health outcomes for Hispanics with diabetes, empowering them to sustain their goals for prolonged health while improving clinical indicators. Program methods and final results will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Health Disparities, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

The Diabetes Challenge

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA