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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Consuela D. Greene, MHSA, BS, Nashville REACH 2010 Project, Matthew Walker Health Center, 1035 14th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, 615 340-1289, consuela.greene@mwchc.org

Persons living in underserved populations suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases due to a lack of access to quality care, poor self-management and inconsistencies in health care delivery. Established to reduce health disparities among the medically underserved population, the Managing Your Diabetes Program (MYD) seeks to improve the quality of care provided to people living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes through community programs that offer self empowerment and a medical support network.

Improving chronic illness care requires a transformation of health care from a system that is essentially reactive to one that is proactive and focused on keeping people as healthy as possible. Although the challenge was formidable, the MYD program supports patients in becoming effecting managers of their own health. The MYD program provides educational seminars on disease topics, health screenings to identify risk factors and prevent complications of disease and provide support. Patient empowerment is encouraged, goal setting established and achievable patient outcomes documented through the use of the Patient Electronic System.

Data collection for patients and achievements of performance milestones are documented as proof of patients obtaining targeted goals and understanding the management of their disease. For instance, of 239 participating patients, 70% have created a self management plan, 39% have received A1C test and 34% have shown improvements with their ability to manage and control their disease.

The MYD program efforts were proven successful in improving health outcomes and establishing a supported infrastructure. Additional research should be followed to assess the overall impact on larger populations.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants will be able to

• Describe efforts to improve population health involving diverse partners from multiple sectors.
• Explore an innovative set of skills and tools to help patients and providers navigate a system of care.
• Identify processes used by partnerships in developing programs that mobilize the community to focus on disparate issues.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Quality of Care

Related Web page: www.mwchc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered