Women's Midlife Assessment Clinic: A Conprehensive Multidisciplinary Model of Care

The University of Utah Health Science Departments and Colleges developed a multidisciplinary Midlife Women's Health Clinic, with a focus in health risk assessment, health promotion and behavior modification. Women in the midlife have unique health problems that are frequently over looked or are not adequately assessed. Evidenced base labs, tests, mammograms and a 20 page health history questionnaire were completed by patients prior to their clinic appointment. Women attending the clinic were given 2½ hours of group health information on menopause, heart disease, sexuality, depression, memory, nutrition, bone and joint health and meditation. The women were seen by multidisciplinary providers from gynecology, internal medicine, dermatology, and audiology and a health coach over the next 2 hours. When the women left the clinic they had a comprehensive health assessment packet and a plan to help motivate them to change behavior and maximize their long term health. Thirty four women attended the initial clinics. Outcome data indicated that although 26 women had seen their primary care providers within the last two years, women had significant health issues recognized in the Midlife Clinic that were either undiagnosed or undertreated by their primary providers, ranging from heart disease, hypertension, abnormal lipids, depression, and skin lesions. Follow up patient care was coordinated with their primary provider. This type of clinic, which provides high quality, evidenced base care could be duplicated to provide comprehensive and efficient health care to women across the country. Ongoing clinic outcomes data will be presented, including patient satisfaction and behavior change.