248028 Multi-disciplinary approach to wellness in Rhode Island

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Joseph Boffa, DDS MPH , Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research/HealthLink Wellness, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Mark Schwager, MD , Medical Director, PACE Program of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
Puneet Sud, MD , Associate Medical Director, HealthLink Wellness, North Providence, RI
The Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans and the Working Rhode Island Coalition, are organizations that maintain a wellness program called HealthLink Wellness. The primary focus is a multi-disciplinary approach to community health, including oral and cardiovascular health through periodic community based screenings and the encouragement of adoption of healthy behaviors. All health education materials are presented by physicians but integrated in the discussions are relevant oral health issues.

Medical screenings include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol (TC & HDL), body mass index and self-perception of health status. Oral health screenings include assessment of soft tissue, DMFT, gingival recession, number of teeth/edentulism, and denture status/condition. An oral cancer screening is also performed, and oral health quality of life questions are answered.

Over a 24 month period a 30% improvement in total cholesterol, 32% in blood glucose and 15% in Blood pressure were observed. Oral health data is primarily assessed on a cross sectional basis and it has been observed that those with gingival recession were 73% more likely to have an increased 10 year probability of coronary heart disease as measured by a Framingham Study CHD risk model.

Currently the wellness program is expanding to include the recruitment of primary care physicians into the “Advanced Medical Home” model. Members with limited or no health coverage have access to optometric and dental offices that offer discounts for their services. The ultimate goal is to build a culture of prevention where home, community and professional office work together as a team.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Measure the improvement in oral and cardioavacular health based on a program of periodic screenings and feedback Describe the role of the physician and in advancing the wellness agenda

Keywords: Community Health, Preventive Medicine

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Principal Investigator of wellness program funded by the CDC
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.