Use of a Mobile Device among Health Professionals for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction among African Americans utilizing Faith-based Social Support

There are significant racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. (CVD) The underlying causes of management among risk of CVD are multiple and vary by race and process of care (i.e., detection, treatment, and control). There are also factors that limit patient-physician encounters and continuity of care that may account for racial disparities in management of cardiovascular risk reduction. For example, African-American Medicare consumers with CVD were more likely to receive care from emergency departments.

The purpose of the project is to utilize a software application that would be used on a mobile device (iPhone, Palm) by an interdisciplinary team of health professionals to manage a group of older African-American individuals through a church-based community.

Methods:

Our multidisciplinary team approach will include a Registered Nurse and a team of community health educators. Our approach will utilize a protocol that will provide individualized patient and family education and faith-based social support through the church to promote appropriate lifestyle changes (e.g., fitness and culturally appropriate nutrition programs, faith-based counseling)

At the initial consultation, the trained medical provider will obtain individual histories and baseline measures of height, weight, dietary and exercise habits, and tobacco use. Customized verbal and written instructions about diet and exercise were provided to each patient. Lifestyle goals will be discussed and individual commitments to making the recommended lifestyle changes will be obtained. At subsequent consultations, weight changes and adherence with exercise, and commitments will be reviewed, revised as necessary, and discussed with individuals. The use of the mobile device would help community educators and the trained medical providers will monitor the progress of individuals. Progress will be monitored at subsequent consultations and lifestyle data will be entered in the mobile device.

The population studied will be older African-Americans who are part of church congregations in Chicago.