Recorded presentation

Michelle L. Jacobs, PharmD, Dept. of Phaarmacy Practive, Northeastern University, School of Pharmacy - 206 Mugar, Boston, MA 02115, 617-373-4628, m.jacobs@neu.edu

This presentation will focus on the implementation of a comprehensive plan for management of diabetes among a community health center's patient population based on work done through participation in the HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care's (BPHC) Health Disparities Collaborative and also under the BPHC Pharmacy Demonstration program. The disparities collaborative employs the chronic care model that promotes patient education for greater self care management and is informed by clinical research demonstrating increased understanding and effective disease state management by patients and providers. The pharmacy demonstration project introduced clinical pharmacists into the primary care teams at four community health centers for the provision of clinical pharmacy care to adult diabetic patients.

Based on research conducted by the center and evidence based practice guidelines incorporated into the clinical care and management of diabetes the center realized significant increases in patient satisfaction and compliance, improved outcomes, and decreased costs of care. In addition to physicians and nurses the team consisted of a clinical pharmacist, nutritionist, community health worker, and peer counselor. The center developed innovations in care delivery that includes group medical visits for diabetic patients; community based education, screening and outreach programs; support groups; and manufacturer's medication assistance program.

In the area of public policy the center has been active on the national level in the 340B Coalition of community health centers and public hospitals and at the state level in the areas of professional scope of practice, reimbursement for clinical services, and access to affordable drugs.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Understand how center based research can inform practice, targeting special populations and disease states, for addressing persistent disparities in health.
• 2. Identify opportunities to apply health services research and program evaluation in a community based setting for improving clinical primary care practice.
• 3. Facilitate development of a infrastructure for research and evaluation in community based settings.

Keywords: Community Health Centers, Health Disparities

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: I am the Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner for Whittier Street Health Center and faculty at Northeastern University

Recorded presentation