The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #37379

Susanne D. Dragun, MA, Policy Sciences, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, 410-647-9769, sdragu1@umbc.edu and Nancy A. Miller, PhD, Policy Sciences Graduate Program, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250.

This study will examine the impact of consumer empowerment interventions on health and quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Data for analysis will come from the Randomized Controlled Trial of Primary and Consumer Directed Care for People with Chronic Illnesses Demonstration. The interventions include: 1) A monthly voucher for medical goods and /or support services; 2) a health promotion nurse who acts as a patient health care advocate and primary practice extension; and 3) a combination consisting of a voucher and a health promotion nurse. Over 730,000 persons in the US suffer a stroke every year, disproportionately affecting people age 65 and older. This condition is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Since most stroke survivors with disabilities are cared for at home, health and quality of life for both stroke survivors and their caregivers are frequently affected. Inadequate help for this population and lack of Medicare coverage for long-term care compounds this problem. Data collected from in-person interviews with stroke survivors and their caregivers at one-year post enrollment will be compared with baseline data. Changes between baseline and one-year follow-up will allow examination of the impact of the interventions on health status and quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers. The analysis is expected to indicate that empowerment and education interventions have a favorable impact on the outcomes for this important subgroup of the Medicare population. Policy implications for the Medicare program will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will have a better understanding of

• The impact of consumer directed empowerment interventions on health and quality of life for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
• Policy implications for the Medicare program.

Keywords: Strokes, Long-Term Care

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.