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Rohan EA, Townsend JS, Bermudez AT, Thompson HL, Holman DM, Reza A, Tharpe FS, Wennerstrom A. Engaging Community Health Workers in Primary Care Practices: Provider Understanding of Roles, Benefits, and Barriers. J Ambul Care Manage 2024; 47:154-167. [PMID: 38775653 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly addressing health disparities in primary care settings; however, there is little information about how primary care practitioners (PCPs) interact with CHWs or perceive CHW roles. We examined PCP engagement with CHWs in adult primary care settings. Overall, 55% of 1504 PCPs reported working with CHWs; involvement with CHWs differed by some PCP demographic and practice-related factors. While PCPs perceived CHWs as engaging in most nationally endorsed CHW roles, they identified several barriers to integrating CHWs into care teams. Findings can inform ongoing efforts to advance health equity through integrating CHWs into primary care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Rohan
- Author Affiliations: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chamblee, GA (Drs Rohan, Townsend, Bermudez, and Thompson, Mr Holman, Dr Reza, and Ms Tharpe); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Diabetes Translation, Chamblee, GA (Dr Thompson); Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Wennerstrom)
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Aibo MAI, Kangovi S, Lion KC, Vasan A. Community Health Workers: A Key Workforce to Promote Health Equity for Children in Immigrant Families. Acad Pediatr 2024; 24:16-18. [PMID: 38991796 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marine-Ayan Ibrahim Aibo
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (M-AI Aibo and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa; PolicyLab and Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (M-AI Aibo and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Shreya Kangovi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (S Kangovi), Philadelphia, Pa; Penn Center for Community Health Workers, University of Pennsylvania (S Kangovi and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa
| | - K Casey Lion
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute (KC Lion), Seattle, Wash
| | - Aditi Vasan
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (M-AI Aibo and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa; PolicyLab and Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (M-AI Aibo and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa; Penn Center for Community Health Workers, University of Pennsylvania (S Kangovi and A Vasan), Philadelphia, Pa.
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Rangachari P, Thapa A, Sherpa DL, Katukuri K, Ramadyani K, Jaidi HM, Goodrum L. Characteristics of hospital and health system initiatives to address social determinants of health in the United States: a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1413205. [PMID: 38873294 PMCID: PMC11173975 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1413205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the incentives and provisions created for hospitals by the US Affordable Care Act related to value-based payment and community health needs assessments, concerns remain regarding the adequacy and distribution of hospital efforts to address SDOH. This scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature identifies the key characteristics of hospital/health system initiatives to address SDOH in the US, to gain insight into the progress and gaps. Methods PRISMA-ScR criteria were used to inform a scoping review of the literature. The article search was guided by an integrated framework of Healthy People SDOH domains and industry recommended SDOH types for hospitals. Three academic databases were searched for eligible articles from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2023. Database searches yielded 3,027 articles, of which 70 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for the review. Results Most articles (73%) were published during or after 2020 and 37% were based in Northeast US. More initiatives were undertaken by academic health centers (34%) compared to safety-net facilities (16%). Most (79%) were research initiatives, including clinical trials (40%). Only 34% of all initiatives used the EHR to collect SDOH data. Most initiatives (73%) addressed two or more types of SDOH, e.g., food and housing. A majority (74%) were downstream initiatives to address individual health-related social needs (HRSNs). Only 9% were upstream efforts to address community-level structural SDOH, e.g., housing investments. Most initiatives (74%) involved hot spotting to target HRSNs of high-risk patients, while 26% relied on screening and referral. Most initiatives (60%) relied on internal capacity vs. community partnerships (4%). Health disparities received limited attention (11%). Challenges included implementation issues and limited evidence on the systemic impact and cost savings from interventions. Conclusion Hospital/health system initiatives have predominantly taken the form of downstream initiatives to address HRSNs through hot-spotting or screening-and-referral. The emphasis on clinical trials coupled with lower use of EHR to collect SDOH data, limits transferability to safety-net facilities. Policymakers must create incentives for hospitals to invest in integrating SDOH data into EHR systems and harnessing community partnerships to address SDOH. Future research is needed on the systemic impact of hospital initiatives to address SDOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavani Rangachari
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alisha Thapa
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dawa Lhomu Sherpa
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Keerthi Katukuri
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kashyap Ramadyani
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hiba Mohammed Jaidi
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lewis Goodrum
- Northeast Medical Group, Yale New Haven Health System, Stratford, CT, United States
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Hansotte E, Andrea SB, Weathers TD, Stone C, Jessup A, Staten LK. Impact of community health workers on diabetes management in an urban United States Community with high diabetes burden through the COVID pandemic. Prev Med Rep 2024; 39:102645. [PMID: 38370984 PMCID: PMC10869924 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Community Health Worker (CHW) interventions are promising approaches to increasing access to health care, garnering better health outcomes, and decreasing health inequities for historically marginalized populations. This study examines the impact of a health system-based CHW program embedded in the Diabetes Impact Project - Indianapolis Neighborhoods (DIP-IN), a large, place-based, multi-year intervention to reduce diabetes burden. We assessed the CHW program's effectiveness in managing glucose control and reducing diabetes-associated complications across the COVID timeline. Methods We examined the association between the CHW intervention and diabetes management in 454 CHW patients and 1,020 propensity score-matched comparison patients. Using electronic medical records for encounters between January 1, 2017, and March 31, 2022, we estimated the CHW program effect using a difference-in-difference approach through generalized linear mixed models. Results Participation was associated with a significant reduction (-0.54-unit (95 % CI: -0.73, -0.35) in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) on average over time that was beyond the change observed among comparison patients, higher odds of having ≥ 2 A1C measures in a year (OR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.79, 3.00), lower odds of ED visits (OR: 0.88; 95 % CI: 0.73, 1.05), and lower odds of hospital admission (OR: 0.81; 95 % CI: 0.60,1.09). When analyses were restricted to a pre-pandemic timeframe, the pattern of results were similar. Conclusion This program was effective in improving diabetes management among patients living in diabetes-burdened communities, and the effects were persistent throughout the pandemic timeline. CHW programs offer crucial reinforcement for diabetes management during periods when routine healthcare access is constrained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Hansotte
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 N. Rural St., Indianapolis, IN 46205, United States
| | - Sarah B. Andrea
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Vanport Building, 1810 SW 5 Ave., Suite 510, Portland, OR 97201, United States
| | - Tess D. Weathers
- Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Health Sciences Building, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Cynthia Stone
- Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Health Sciences Building, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Alisha Jessup
- Eskenazi Health, 720 Eskenazi Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Lisa K. Staten
- Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Health Sciences Building, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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Kitzman H, Dodgen L, Vargas C, Khan M, Montgomery A, Patel M, Ajoku B, Allison P, Strauss AM, Bowen M. Community health worker navigation to improve allostatic load: The Integrated Population Health (IPOP) study. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 36:101235. [PMID: 38156244 PMCID: PMC10753173 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social determinants of health (SDOH) and cumulative stress contribute to chronic disease development. The physiological response to repeated stressors typical of lower-income environments can be measured through allostatic load - a composite measure of cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune variables. Healthcare systems have employed patient navigation for social and medical needs to improve SDOH that has demonstrated limited impact on chronic disease outcomes. This study evaluates a novel community health worker navigation intervention developed using behavioral theories to improve access to social and medical services and provide social support for poverty stressed adults. Methods The Integrated Population Health Study (IPOP) study is a randomized, parallel two arm study evaluating community health worker navigation in addition to an existing integrated population health program (IPOP CHW) as compared to Usual Care (population health program only, IPOP) on allostatic load and chronic disease risk factors. IPOP CHW participants receive a 10-month navigation intervention. Results From 381 screened individuals, a total of 202 participants (age 58.15 ± 12.03 years, 74.75 % female, 79.21 % Black/African American, 17.33 % Hispanic) were enrolled and randomized to IPOP CHW (n = 100) or IPOP Only (n = 102). Conclusion This study will evaluate whether CHW navigation, using a structured intervention based on health behavior theories, can effectively guide poverty stressed individuals to address social and medical needs to improve allostatic load-a composite of cumulative stress and physiological responses. Healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities are interested in addressing SDOH to improve health, thus developing evidence-based interventions could have broad clinical and policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kitzman
- Peter J. O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Leilani Dodgen
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Cristian Vargas
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Mahbuba Khan
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Aisha Montgomery
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Meera Patel
- Peter J. O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Brittany Ajoku
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | - Patricia Allison
- Baylor Scott and White Health, 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210, USA
| | | | - Michael Bowen
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
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Vasan A, Kyle MA, Venkataramani AS, Kenyon CC, Fiks AG. Inequities in Time Spent Coordinating Care for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:1526-1534. [PMID: 36918094 PMCID: PMC10495536 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the United States, caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) must navigate complex, inefficient health care and insurance systems to access medical care. We assessed for sociodemographic inequities in time spent coordinating care for CYSHCN and examined the association between time spent coordinating care and forgone medical care. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the 2018-2020 National Survey of Children's Health, which included 102,740 children across all 50 states. We described the time spent coordinating care for children with less complex special health care needs (SHCN) (managed through medications) and more complex SHCN (resulting in functional limitations or requiring specialized therapies). We examined race-, ethnicity-, income-, and insurance-based differences in time spent coordinating care among CYSHCN and used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between time spent coordinating care and forgone medical care. RESULTS Over 40% of caregivers of children with more complex SHCN reported spending time coordinating their children's care each week. CYSHCN whose caregivers spent ≥ 5 h/wk on care coordination were disproportionately Hispanic, low-income, and publicly insured or uninsured. Increased time spent coordinating care was associated with an increasing probability of forgone medical care: 6.7% for children whose caregivers spent no weekly time coordinating care versus 9.4% for< 1 hour; 11.4% for 1 to 4 hours; and 15.8% for ≥ 5 hours. CONCLUSIONS Reducing time spent coordinating care and providing additional support to low-income and minoritized caregivers may be beneficial for pediatric payers, policymakers, and health systems aiming to promote equitable access to health care for CYSHCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Vasan
- Department of Pediatrics (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; PolicyLab and Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (A Vasan, AS Venkataramani, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - Michael Anne Kyle
- Department of Health Care Policy (MA Kyle), Harvard Medical School and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Mass.
| | - Atheendar S Venkataramani
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (A Vasan, AS Venkataramani, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy (AS Venkataramani), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Calif.
| | - Chén C Kenyon
- Department of Pediatrics (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; PolicyLab and Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (A Vasan, AS Venkataramani, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - Alexander G Fiks
- Department of Pediatrics (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; PolicyLab and Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness (A Vasan, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (A Vasan, AS Venkataramani, CC Kenyon, and AG Fiks), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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Walker AF, Graham S, Maple-Brown L, Egede LE, Campbell JA, Walker RJ, Wade AN, Mbanya JC, Long JA, Yajnik C, Thomas N, Ebekozien O, Odugbesan O, DiMeglio LA, Agarwal S. Interventions to address global inequity in diabetes: international progress. Lancet 2023; 402:250-264. [PMID: 37356448 PMCID: PMC10726974 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00914-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease with high associated burden and disproportionate costs to communities based on socioeconomic, gender, racial, and ethnic status. Addressing the complex challenges of global inequity in diabetes will require intentional efforts to focus on broader social contexts and systems that supersede individual-level interventions. We codify and highlight best practice approaches to achieve equity in diabetes care and outcomes on a global scale. We outline action plans to target diabetes equity on the basis of the recommendations established by The Lancet Commission on Diabetes, organising interventions by their effect on changing the ecosystem, building capacity, or improving the clinical practice environment. We present international examples of how to address diabetes inequity in the real world to show that approaches addressing the individual within a larger social context, in addition to addressing structural inequity, hold the greatest promise for creating sustainable and equitable change that curbs the global diabetes crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashby F Walker
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sian Graham
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Louise Maple-Brown
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Leonard E Egede
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer A Campbell
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebekah J Walker
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alisha N Wade
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Wits School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean Claude Mbanya
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Judith A Long
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Nihal Thomas
- Department of Endocrinology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Linda A DiMeglio
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shivani Agarwal
- Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; New York Regional Center for Diabetes Translation Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Parish W, Beil H, He F, D'Arcangelo N, Romaire M, Rojas-Smith L, Haber SG. Health Care Impacts Of Resource Navigation For Health-Related Social Needs In The Accountable Health Communities Model. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023:101377hlthaff202201502. [PMID: 37196210 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Social determinants of health can adversely affect health and therefore lead to poor health care outcomes. When it launched in 2017, the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model was at the forefront of US health policy initiatives seeking to address social determinants of health. The AHC Model, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, screened Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries for health-related social needs and offered eligible beneficiaries assistance in connecting with community services. This study used data from the period 2015-21 to test whether the model had impacts on health care spending and use. Findings show statistically significant reductions in emergency department visits for both Medicaid and fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. Impacts on other outcomes were not statistically significant, but low statistical power may have limited our ability to detect model effects. Interviews with AHC Model participants who were offered navigation services to help them find community-based resources suggested that navigation services could have directly affected the way in which beneficiaries engage with the health care system, leading them to be more proactive in seeking appropriate care. Collectively, findings provide mixed evidence that engaging with beneficiaries who have health-related social needs can affect health care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Parish
- William Parish , RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Heather Beil
- Heather Beil, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Fang He
- Fang He, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Noah D'Arcangelo
- Noah D'Arcangelo, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Melissa Romaire
- Melissa Romaire, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Susan G Haber
- Susan G. Haber, RTI International, Waltham, Massachusetts
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Gordon AS, Oakes AH, Allender R, Vang L, Hennemann B, Chi WC. Observational Analysis of a Generalized, Health Plan-led Community Health Worker Intervention in Medicaid. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231153602. [PMID: 36803201 PMCID: PMC9940165 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231153602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES In 2018, a Medicaid managed care plan launched a new community health worker (CHW) initiative in several counties within a state, designed to improve the health and quality of life of members who could benefit from additional services. The CHW program involved telephonic and face-to-face visits from CHWs who provided support, empowerment, and education to members, while identifying and addressing health and social issues. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a generalized (not disease-specific), health plan-led CHW program on overall healthcare use and spending. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used data from adult members who received the CHW intervention (N = 538 participants) compared to those who were identified for participation but were unable to be reached (N = 435 nonparticipants). Outcomes measures included healthcare utilization, including scheduled and emergency inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient visits; and healthcare spending. The follow-up period for all outcome measures was 6 months. Using generalized linear models, 6-month change scores were regressed on baseline characteristics to adjust for between-group differences (eg, age, sex, comorbidities) and an indicator for group. RESULTS Program participants experienced a greater increase in outpatient evaluation and management visits (0.09 per member per month [PMPM]) than the comparison group during the first 6 months of the program. This greater increase was observed across in-person (0.07 PMPM), telehealth (0.03 PMPM), and primary care (0.06 PMPM) visits. There was no observed difference in inpatient admissions, ED utilization or allowed medical spending and pharmacy spending. CONCLUSIONS A health plan-led CHW program successfully increased multiple forms of outpatient utilization in a historically disadvantaged population of patients. Health plans may be particularly well positioned to finance, sustain, and scale programs that address social drivers of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza S. Gordon
- Elevance Health Inc, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Aliza S. Gordon, Director of Research, Public Policy Institute, Elevance Health Inc, 120 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA.
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Burke HM, Carter J. Integration of patient experience factors improves readmission prediction. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32632. [PMID: 36701722 PMCID: PMC9857268 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Many readmission prediction models have marginal accuracy and are based on clinical and demographic data that exclude patient response data. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a 30-day hospital readmission prediction model that incorporates patient response data capturing the patient experience. This was a prospective cohort study of 30-day hospital readmissions. A logistic regression model to predict readmission risk was created using patient responses obtained during interviewer-administered questionnaires as well as demographic and clinical data. Participants (N = 846) were admitted to 2 inpatient adult medicine units at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2012 to 2016. The primary outcome was the accuracy (measured by receiver operating characteristic) of a 30-day readmission risk prediction model. Secondary analyses included a readmission-focused factor analysis of individual versus collective patient experience questions. Of 1754 eligible participants, 846 (48%) were enrolled and 201 (23.8%) had a 30-day readmission. Demographic factors had an accuracy of 0.56 (confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.62), clinical disease factors had an accuracy of 0.59 (CI, 0.54-0.65), and the patient experience factors had an accuracy of 0.60 (CI, 0.56-0.64). Taken together, their combined accuracy of receiver operating characteristic = 0.78 (CI, 0.74-0.82) was significantly more accurate than these factors were individually. The individual accuracy of patient experience, demographic, and clinical data was relatively poor and consistent with other risk prediction models. The combination of the 3 types of data significantly improved the ability to predict 30-day readmissions. This study suggests that more accurate 30-day readmission risk prediction models can be generated by including information about the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jocelyn Carter
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
- * Correspondence: Jocelyn Carter, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Blake 15, Boston, MA 02114, United States (e-mail: )
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Hill S, Topel K, Li X, Solomon BS. Engagement in a Social Needs Navigation Program and Health Care Utilization in Pediatric Primary Care. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:1221-1227. [PMID: 35597440 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence for social needs interventions on resource linkage has grown over the past decade. Though social and economic needs predict health care utilization, few studies have assessed social needs interventions on these outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the association between enrollment in a clinic-based social needs program on subsequent well-child visit (WCV) attendance and emergency department (ED) use in 2 primary care clinics. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients in 2 clinics referred to a social risk screening and navigation program between June and August 2018. We compared health care utilization over the subsequent 12 months for those who completed a full intake and received resource navigation (enrolled) to those referred (not enrolled). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between enrollment with WCV attendance and ED visits. RESULTS During the study period, of the 969 patients referred to the program, 761 were enrolled across the 2 clinics. At both sites, the majority of enrolled patients had high WCV attendance postintervention (Site A: 81.6%, Site B: 71.4%). High WCV attendance for nonenrolled but referred patients was significantly lower (Site A: 52.7%, Site B: 35.0%). Enrolled participants were significantly more likely to have high WCV attendance than nonenrolled patients, adjusting for preintervention utilization (Site A adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.83, Site B aOR : 4.20). There were no significant differences in ED use at either clinic. CONCLUSIONS Addressing families' social needs through resource linkage and navigation can improve WCV attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hill
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (S Hill, K Topel, and BS Solomon), Baltimore, Md
| | - Kristin Topel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (S Hill, K Topel, and BS Solomon), Baltimore, Md
| | - Ximin Li
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics (X Li), Baltimore, Md
| | - Barry S Solomon
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (S Hill, K Topel, and BS Solomon), Baltimore, Md.
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Ferrer RL, Schlenker CG, Cruz I, Noël PH, Palmer RF, Poursani R, Jaén CR. Community Health Workers as Trust Builders and Healers: A Cohort Study in Primary Care. Ann Fam Med 2022; 20:438-445. [PMID: 36228078 PMCID: PMC9512562 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Improving patients' self-care for chronic disease is often elusive in the context of social deprivation. We evaluated whether a practice-integrated community health worker (CHW) intervention could encourage effective long-term self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS This cohort study, in a safety-net primary care practice, enrolled patients with uncontrolled T2DM and psychosocial risk factors. Patients were identified through a practice diabetes registry or by clinicians' referrals. The CHWs engaged patients in trust building and sensemaking to understand their social context, identify goals, navigate health care, and connect to community resources. Primary outcome was progress through 3 prospectively defined stages of self-care: outreach (meeting face-to-face); stabilization (collaborating to address patients' life circumstances); and self-care generativity (achieving self-care competencies). Secondary outcomes were change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and need for urgent care, emergency department, or hospital visits. RESULTS Of 986 participating patients, 27% remained in outreach, 41% progressed to stabilization, and 33% achieved self-care generativity. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrates an overall decline in HbA1c, without group differences, through the 4th HbA1c measurement (mean follow-up 703 days). Beginning at the 5th HbA1c measurement (mean 859 days), the self-care generativity group achieved greater declines in HbA1c, which widened through the 10th measurement (mean 1,365 days) to an average of 8.5% compared with an average of 8.8% in the outreach group and 9.0% in the stabilization group (P = .003). Rates of emergency department and hospital visits were lower in the self-care generativity group. CONCLUSIONS Practice-linked CHWs can sustainably engage vulnerable patients, helping them advance self-management goals in the context of formidable social disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Ferrer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Carolina Gonzalez Schlenker
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Inez Cruz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Polly Hitchcock Noël
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Raymond F Palmer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ramin Poursani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Carlos Roberto Jaén
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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SANDHU SAHIL, ALDERWICK HUGH, GOTTLIEB LAURAM. Financing Approaches to Social Prescribing Programs in England and the United States. Milbank Q 2022; 100:393-423. [PMID: 35348249 PMCID: PMC9205663 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points The number of social prescribing practices, which aim to link patients with nonmedical services and supports to address patients' social needs, is increasing in both England and the United States. Traditional health care financing mechanisms were not designed to support social prescribing practices, and flexible payment approaches may not support their widespread adoption. Policymakers in both countries are shifting toward developing explicit financing streams for social prescribing programs. Consequently, we need an evaluation of them to assess their success in supporting both the acceptance of these programs and their impacts. Investment in community-based organizations and wider public services will likely be crucial to both the long-term effectiveness and the sustainability of social prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- SAHIL SANDHU
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusetts
- Population Health Sciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle Upon Tyne
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14
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Heisler M, Lapidos A, Kieffer E, Henderson J, Guzman R, Cunmulaj J, Wolfe J, Meyer T, Ayanian JZ. Impact on Health Care Utilization and Costs of a Medicaid Community Health Worker Program in Detroit, 2018-2020: A Randomized Program Evaluation. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:766-775. [PMID: 35324259 PMCID: PMC9010898 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To compare health care utilization and costs between beneficiaries randomly assigned to usual services versus a community health worker (CHW) program implemented by 3 Medicaid health plans. Methods. From February 2018 to June 2019, beneficiaries residing in Detroit, Michigan's Cody Rouge neighborhood with more than 3 emergency department (ED) visits or at least 1 ambulatory care‒sensitive hospitalization in the previous 12 months were randomized. CHWs reached out to eligible beneficiaries to assess their needs and link them to services. We compared ED and ambulatory care visits, hospitalizations, and related costs over 12 months. Results. In intention-to-treat analyses among 2457 beneficiaries, the 1389 randomized to the CHW program had lower adjusted ratios of ED visits (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] = 0.96; P < .01) and ED visit costs (ARR = 0.96; P < .01), but higher adjusted ratios of ambulatory care costs (ARR = 1.15; P < .01) and no differences in inpatient or total costs compared with the usual-care group. Conclusions. Initial increases in ambulatory care use from effective programs for underserved communities may mitigate savings from decreased acute care use. Longer-term outcomes should be followed to assess potential cost savings from improved health. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03924713. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(5):766-775. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306700).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Heisler
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Adrienne Lapidos
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Edith Kieffer
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - James Henderson
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Rebeca Guzman
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Jasmina Cunmulaj
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Jason Wolfe
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - Trish Meyer
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | - John Z Ayanian
- Michele Heisler is with the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Adrienne Lapidos is with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor. Edith Kieffer is with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. James Henderson is with the University of Michigan Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, Ann Arbor. Rebeca Guzman is with the Detroit Health Department, Detroit, MI. Jasmina Cunmulaj is with the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jason Wolfe, Trish Meyer, and John Z. Ayanian are with the University of Michigan Institute of Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
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15
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Medication Adherence in Chronic Older Patients: An Italian Observational Study Using Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5I). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095190. [PMID: 35564585 PMCID: PMC9100757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: the world population is aging, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing. Chronic diseases affect the quality of life of patients and contribute toward increased healthcare costs if patients do not adhere to treatment. This study defines the medication adherence levels of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients aged 65 years and older with chronic diseases were included in this study. The medication adherence report scale was used. Results: overall, 98 patients aged 65 years and older were included. The mean age of responders was 78.65 years. Study population: 71.43% were always adherent; 9.79% often adherent; 14.89% sometimes adherent; 3.87% rarely adherent; and 1% never adherent. The internal consistency of the MARS-5I was good: Cronbach’s alfa value of 0.77. Conclusions: the MARS-5I is an effective self-report instrument to measure the medication adherence of patients. However, further studies are needed to explore factors affecting medication adherence to avoid clinical consequences for patients and high healthcare costs for healthcare facilities. Healthcare communication could be improved to ensure better transitional care.
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16
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Gottlieb LM, Lindau ST, Peek ME. Why Add "Abolition" to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Social Care Framework? AMA J Ethics 2022; 24:E170-180. [PMID: 35325517 PMCID: PMC9591153 DOI: 10.1001/amajethics.2022.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Abundant evidence demonstrates that enduring, endemic racism plays an important role in determining patient health. This commentary reviews a patient case about disease self-management and subsequent health outcomes that are shaped by social and economic circumstances. We analyze the case using a framework for social care developed in 2019 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). We then propose that the NASEM framework be adapted by adding the category abolition, which could make the other social care practices transformative for historically marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Gottlieb
- Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco
| | - Stacy Tessler Lindau
- Professor of obstetrics and gynecology and medicine-geriatrics as well as a practicing gynecologist at the University of Chicago in Illinois
| | - Monica E Peek
- Professor of medicine and the director of research (and associate director) at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago in Illinois
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17
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Harte R, Norton L, Whitehouse C, Lorincz I, Jones D, Gerald N, Estrada I, Sabini C, Mitra N, Long JA, Cappella J, Glanz K, Volpp KG, Kangovi S. Design of a randomized controlled trial of digital health and community health worker support for diabetes management among low-income patients. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 25:100878. [PMID: 34977421 PMCID: PMC8688867 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-dependent diabetes is a challenging disease to manage and involves complex behaviors, such as self-monitoring of blood glucose. This can be especially challenging in the face of socioeconomic barriers and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital health self-monitoring interventions and community health worker support are promising and complementary best practices for improving diabetes-related health behaviors and outcomes. Yet, these strategies have not been tested in combination. This protocol paper describes the rationale and design of a trial that measures the combined effect of digital health and community health worker support on glucose self-monitoring and glycosylated hemoglobin. METHODS The study population was uninsured or publicly insured; lived in high-poverty, urban neighborhoods; and had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with insulin dependence. The study consisted of three arms: usual diabetes care; digital health self-monitoring; or combined digital health and community health worker support. The primary outcome was adherence to blood glucose self-monitoring. The exploratory outcome was change in glycosylated hemoglobin. CONCLUSION The design of this trial was grounded in social justice and community engagement. The study protocols were designed in collaboration with frontline community health workers, the study aim was explicit about furthering knowledge useful for advancing health equity, and the population was focused on low-income people. This trial will advance knowledge of whether combining digital health and community health worker interventions can improve glucose self-monitoring and diabetes-related outcomes in a high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Harte
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lindsey Norton
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Whitehouse
- Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Ilona Lorincz
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denerale Jones
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Norma Gerald
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Irene Estrada
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn Sabini
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nandita Mitra
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judith A. Long
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Cappella
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karen Glanz
- Perelman School of Medicine and School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin G. Volpp
- Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Departments of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shreya Kangovi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Community Health Workers, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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18
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Henderson MD, McCurry IJ, Deatrick JA, Lipman TH. Experiences of Adult Men Who Are Homeless Accessing Care: A Qualitative Study. J Transcult Nurs 2021; 33:199-207. [PMID: 34784822 DOI: 10.1177/10436596211057895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homeless individuals experience increased rates of chronic physical and mental health conditions. They also experience difficulty accessing care and poor health outcomes compounded by social and economic factors, such as housing insecurity, unemployment, and limited social support. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of homeless individuals related to their health and experiences accessing care. METHOD Qualitative descriptive methods and content analysis were used to gather, analyze, and interpret the data and identify themes. RESULTS Three themes were identified: men who are homeless experience bias throughout their health care and interpersonal relationships, the best care is person-centered and considers patients' priorities, and care coordination resources are inadequate. DISCUSSION The housing needs of homeless individuals are best contextualized by their health and social needs. In addition, their priorities must be taken into consideration to develop culturally congruent services that are appropriate and effective care for this population.
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Parry J, Vanstone M, Grignon M, Dunn JR. Primary care-based interventions to address the financial needs of patients experiencing poverty: a scoping review of the literature. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:219. [PMID: 34620188 PMCID: PMC8496150 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is broadly accepted that poverty is associated with poor health, and the health impact of poverty has been explored in numerous high-income country settings. There is a large and growing body of evidence of the role that primary care practitioners can play in identifying poverty as a health determinant, and in interventions to address it. PURPOSE OF STUDY This study maps the published peer-reviewed and grey literature on primary care setting interventions to address poverty in high-income countries in order to identify key concepts and gaps in the research. This scoping review seeks to map the tools in use to identify and address patients' economic needs; describe the key types of primary care-based interventions; and examine barriers and facilitators to successful implementation. METHODS Using a scoping review methodology, we searched five databases, the grey literature and the reference lists of relevant studies to identify studies on interventions to address the economic needs-related social determinants of health that occur in primary health care delivery settings, in high-income countries. Findings were synthesized narratively, and examined using thematic analysis, according to iteratively identified themes. RESULTS Two hundred and fourteen papers were included in the review and fell into two broad categories of description and evaluation: screening tools, and economic needs-specific interventions. Primary care-based interventions that aim to address patients' financial needs operate at all levels, from passive sociodemographic data collection upon patient registration, through referral to external services, to direct intervention in addressing patients' income needs. CONCLUSION Tools and processes to identify and address patients' economic social needs range from those tailored to individual health practices, or addressing one specific dimension of need, to wide-ranging protocols. Primary care-based interventions to address income needs operate at all levels, from passive sociodemographic data collection, through referral to external services, to direct intervention. Measuring success has proven challenging. The decision to undertake this work requires courage on the part of health care providers because it can be difficult, time-consuming and complex. However, it is often appreciated by patients, even when the scope of action available to health care providers is quite narrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Parry
- Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - Meredith Vanstone
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - Michel Grignon
- Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - James R. Dunn
- Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
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20
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Heisler M, Simmons D, Piatt GA. Update on Approaches to Improve Delivery and Quality of Care for People with Diabetes. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2021; 50:e1-e20. [PMID: 34763822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To translate improvements in diabetes management into improved outcomes, it is essential to improve care delivery. To help guide clinicians and health organizations in their efforts to achieve these improvements, this article briefly describes key components underpinning effective diabetes care and six categories of innovations in approaches to improve diabetes care delivery: (1) team-based clinical care; (2) cross-specialty collaboration/integration; (3) virtual clinical care/telehealth; (4) use of community health workers (CHWs) and trained peers to provide pro-active self-management support; (5) incorporating screening for and addressing social determinants of health into clinical practice; and (6) cross-sectoral clinic/community partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Heisler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School; Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System; Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan.
| | - David Simmons
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia; Macarthur Clinical School, Campbelltown Hospital, Therry Road, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia
| | - Gretchen A Piatt
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan; Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, 1111 E. Catherine Street, Victor Vaughan Building, Room 225, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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21
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Financial burden, distress, and toxicity in cardiovascular disease. Am Heart J 2021; 238:75-84. [PMID: 33961830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major source of financial burden and distress, which has 3 main domains: (1) psychological distress; (2) cost-related care non-adherence or medical care deferral, and (3) tradeoffs with basic non-medical needs. We propose 4 ways to reduce financial distress in CVD: (1) policymakers can expand insurance coverage and curtail underinsurance; (2) health systems can limit expenditure on low-benefit, high-cost treatments while developing services for high-risk individuals; (3) physicians can engage in shared-decision-making for high-cost interventions, and (4) community-based initiatives can support patients with system navigation and financial coping. Avenues for research include (1) analysis of how healthcare policies affect financial burden; (2) comparative effectiveness studies examining high and low-cost strategies for CVD management; and (3) studying interventions to reduce financial burden, financial coaching, and community health worker integration.
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22
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Davoust M, Drainoni ML, Baughman A, Campos Rojo M, Estes T, Rajabiun S, Ross-Davis K, McCann K, Sullivan M, Todd L, Wolfe HL, Sprague Martinez L. "He Gave Me Spirit and Hope": Client Experiences with the Implementation of Community Health Worker Programs in HIV Care. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:318-326. [PMID: 34375140 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) are members of the frontline health workforce who serve as intermediaries between health services and communities. In the United States, the role of CHWs has begun to expand as they have been shown to improve outcomes and reduce inequities in care for chronic conditions. This study used qualitative methods to explore the experiences of clients in CHW programs to inform their implementation in HIV care. Thirty clients from 6 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program care settings across the United States participated in individual semistructured interviews to learn more about their experiences working with a CHW. Four key themes arose from the client perspective. First, CHWs embodied key qualities. Some of the qualities clients attributed to CHWs included being caring and supportive, along with capable of fostering personal connections. Second, CHWs met clients where they were. Clients described the CHW approach as more holistic compared with other care team members; they emphasized CHWs were able to focus on whatever was needed in that moment. Third, CHWs occupied a unique role in the HIV care team. Clients noted CHWs had more time to dedicate to their interactions; they also saw CHWs as representing a different level of authority. Finally, CHWs influenced how clients engaged with care and accessed resources. This included empowering clients to access resources independently in the future. Overall, clients' perceptions of CHWs in terms of their qualities, approach, role, and influence on the HIV care experience suggest they are a valuable resource on the care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Davoust
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allyson Baughman
- Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Campos Rojo
- Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Terry Estes
- Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
| | - Serena Rajabiun
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts—Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelly Ross-Davis
- 1917 Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Katherine McCann
- Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marena Sullivan
- Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - LaWanda Todd
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Travel Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hill L. Wolfe
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda Sprague Martinez
- Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Macro Department, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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Schnitzer K, Maravić MC, Arntz D, Phillips NL, Pachas G, Evins AE, Fetters M. Integrated Smoking Cessation for Smokers With Serious Mental Illness: Protocol for a Convergent Mixed Methods Implementation Evaluation Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e25390. [PMID: 34313603 PMCID: PMC8367188 DOI: 10.2196/25390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco smoking is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality in individuals with serious mental illness. A 2-year pragmatic clinical trial (PCORI PCS-1504-30472) that enrolled 1100 individuals with serious mental illness in the greater Boston area was conducted to test 2 interventions for tobacco cessation for individuals with serious mental illness: (1) academic detailing, which delivers education to primary care providers and highlights first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, and (2) provision of community health worker support to smoker participants. Implementing and scaling this intervention in other settings will require the systematic identification of barriers and facilitators, as well as the identification of relevant subgroups, effective and unique components, and setting-specific factors. OBJECTIVE This protocol outlines the proposed mixed methods evaluation of the pragmatic clinical trial to (1) identify barriers and facilitators to effective implementation of the interventions, (2) examine group differences among primary care physicians, and (3) identify barriers that stakeholders such as clinical, payor, and policy leaders would anticipate to impact the implementation of effective components of the intervention. METHODS Qualitative interviews will be conducted with all study community health workers and selected smoker participants, primary care providers, and other stakeholders. Measures of performance and engagement will guide purposive sampling. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will guide qualitative data collection and analysis in accordance with the following framework approach: (1) familiarization, (2) identifying a thematic framework, (3) indexing, (4) charting, and (5) mapping and interpretation. Joint display analyses will be constructed to analyze and draw conclusions across the quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS The 3-year cluster-randomized trial has concluded, and the analysis of primary outcomes is underway. Results from the pragmatic trial and this mixed methods implementation evaluation will be used to help disseminate, scale, and expand a systems intervention. CONCLUSIONS The results of this mixed methods implementation evaluation will inform strategies for dissemination and solutions to potential barriers to the implementation of interventions from a smoking cessation trial for individuals with serious mental illness. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25390.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Schnitzer
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Diana Arntz
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nathaniel L Phillips
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gladys Pachas
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A Eden Evins
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Fetters
- Mixed Methods Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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24
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Kennedy MA, Hatchell KE, DiMilia PR, Kelly SM, Blunt HB, Bagley PJ, LaMantia MA, Reynolds CF, Crow RS, Maden TN, Kelly SL, Kihwele JM, Batsis JA. Community health worker interventions for older adults with complex health needs: A systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1670-1682. [PMID: 33738803 PMCID: PMC8263299 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The number of older adults with complex health needs is growing, and this population experiences disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Interventions led by community health workers (CHWs) can improve clinical outcomes in the general adult population with multimorbidity, but few studies have investigated CHW-delivered interventions in older adults. DESIGN We systematically reviewed the impact of CHW interventions on health outcomes among older adults with complex health needs. We searched for English-language articles from database inception through April 2020 using seven databases. PROSPERO protocol registration CRD42019118761. SETTING Any U.S. or international setting, including clinical and community-based settings. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 60 years or older with complex health needs, defined in this review as multimorbidity, frailty, disability, or high-utilization. INTERVENTIONS Interventions led by a CHW or similar role consistent with the American Public Health Association's definition of CHWs. MEASUREMENTS Pre-defined health outcomes (chronic disease measures, general health measures, treatment adherence, quality of life, or functional measures) as well as qualitative findings. RESULTS Of 5671 unique records, nine studies met eligibility criteria, including four randomized controlled trials, three quasi-experimental studies, and two qualitative studies. Target population and intervention characteristics were variable, and studies were generally of low-to-moderate methodological quality. Outcomes included mood, functional status and disability, social support, well-being and quality of life, medication knowledge, and certain health conditions (e.g., falls, cognition). Results were mixed with several studies demonstrating significant effects on mood and function, including one high-quality RCT, while others noted no significant intervention effects on outcomes. CONCLUSION CHW-led interventions may have benefit for older adults with complex health needs, but additional high-quality studies are needed to definitively determine the effectiveness of CHW interventions in this population. Integration of CHWs into geriatric clinical settings may be a strategy to deliver evidence-based interventions and improve clinical outcomes in complex older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A. Kennedy
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical
Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Kayla E. Hatchell
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Peter R. DiMilia
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School
of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | | | | | | | - Michael A. LaMantia
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine,
Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | | | - Rebecca S. Crow
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at
Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
- Geriatrics and Extended Care, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction,
White River Junction, VT
| | - Tara N. Maden
- Analytics Institute, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic, Lebanon,
NH
| | | | | | - John A. Batsis
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gillings School of
Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Carter J, Hassan S, Walton A, Yu L, Donelan K, Thorndike AN. Effect of Community Health Workers on 30-Day Hospital Readmissions in an Accountable Care Organization Population: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2110936. [PMID: 34014324 PMCID: PMC8138690 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.10936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Value-based care within accountable care organizations (ACOs) has magnified the importance of reducing preventable hospital readmissions. Community health worker (CHW) interventions may address patients' unmet psychosocial and clinical care needs but have been underused in inpatient and postdischarge care. OBJECTIVE To determine if pairing hospitalized patients with ACO insurance with CHWs would reduce 30-day readmission rates. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 6 general medicine hospital units within 1 academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. Participants included adults hospitalized from April 1, 2017, through March 31, 2019, who had ACO insurance and were at risk for 30-day readmission based on a hospital readmission algorithm. The main inclusion criterion was frequency of prior nonelective hospitalizations (≥2 in the past 3 months or ≥3 in the 12 months prior to enrollment). Data were analyzed from February 1, 2018, through March 3, 2021. INTERVENTION CHWs met with intervention participants prior to discharge and maintained contact for 30 days postdischarge to assist participants with clinical access and social resources via telephone calls, text messages, and field visits. CHWs additionally provided psychosocial support and health coaching, using motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and other behavioral strategies. The control group received usual care, which included routine care from primary care clinics and any outpatient referrals made by hospital case management or social work at the time of discharge. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmissions. Secondary outcomes included 30-day missed primary care physician or specialty appointments. RESULTS A total of 573 participants were enrolled, and 550 participants (mean [SD] age, 70.1 [15.7] years; 266 [48.4%] women) were included in analysis, with 277 participants randomized to the intervention group and 273 participants randomized to the control group. At baseline, participants had a mean (SD) of 3 (0.8) hospitalizations in the prior 12 months. There were 432 participants (78.5%) discharged home and 127 participants (23.1%) discharged to a short rehabilitation stay prior to returning home. Compared with participants in the control group, participants in the intervention group were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.90) and to miss clinic appointments within 30 days (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38-0.81). A post hoc subgroup analysis showed that compared with control participants, intervention participants discharged to rehabilitation had a reduction in readmissions (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.31), but there was no significant reduction for those discharged home (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.41-1.12). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This randomized clinical trial found that pairing ACO-insured inpatient adults with CHWs reduced readmissions and missed outpatient visits 30 days postdischarge. The effect was significant for those discharged to short-term rehabilitation but not for those discharged home. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03085264.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Carter
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Susan Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Anne Walton
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Liyang Yu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Karen Donelan
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Anne N. Thorndike
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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26
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MacLeod KE, Chapel JM, McCurdy M, Minaya-Junca J, Wirth D, Onwuanyi A, Lane RI. The implementation cost of a safety-net hospital program addressing social needs in Atlanta. Health Serv Res 2021; 56:474-485. [PMID: 33580501 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the cost of integrating social needs activities into a health care program that works toward health equity by addressing socioeconomic barriers. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Costs for a heart failure health care program based in a safety-net hospital were reported by program staff for the program year May 2018-April 2019. Additional data sources included hospital records, invoices, and staff survey. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, case study of a program that includes health education, outpatient care, financial counseling and free medication; transportation and home services for those most in need; and connections to other social services. Program costs were summarized overall and for mutually exclusive categories: health care program (fixed and variable) and social needs activities. DATA COLLECTION Program cost data were collected using a activity-based, micro-costing approach. In addition, we conducted a survey that was completed by key staff to understand time allocation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Program costs were approximately $1.33 million, and the annual per patient cost was $1455. Thirty percent of the program costs was for social needs activities: 18% for 30-day supply of medications and addressing socioeconomic barriers to medication adherence, 18% for mobile health services (outpatient home visits), 53% for navigating services through a financial counselor and community health worker, and 12% for transportation to visits and addressing transportation barriers. Most of the program costs were for personnel: 92% of the health care program fixed, 95% of the health care program variable, and 78% of social needs activities. DISCUSSION Historically, social and health care services are funded by different systems and have not been integrated. We estimate the cost of implementing social needs activities into a health care program. This work can inform implementation for hospitals attempting to address social determinants of health and social needs in their patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara E MacLeod
- ASRT, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John M Chapel
- Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Matthew McCurdy
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jasmin Minaya-Junca
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Diane Wirth
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anekwe Onwuanyi
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rashon I Lane
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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27
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Vasan A, Morgan JW, Mitra N, Xu C, Long JA, Asch DA, Kangovi S. Effects of a standardized community health worker intervention on hospitalization among disadvantaged patients with multiple chronic conditions: A pooled analysis of three clinical trials. Health Serv Res 2020; 55 Suppl 2:894-901. [PMID: 32643163 PMCID: PMC7518822 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of a standardized community health worker (CHW) intervention on hospitalization. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Pooled data from three randomized clinical trials (n = 1340) conducted between 2011 and 2016. STUDY DESIGN The trials in this pooled analysis were conducted across diseases and settings, with a common study design, intervention, and outcome measures. Participants were patients living in high-poverty regions of Philadelphia and were predominantly Medicaid insured. They were randomly assigned to receive usual care versus IMPaCT, an intervention in which CHWs provide tailored social support, health behavior coaching, connection with resources, and health system navigation. Trial one (n = 446) tested two weeks of IMPaCT among hospitalized general medical patients. Trial two (n = 302) tested six months of IMPaCT among outpatients at two academic primary care clinics. Trial three (n = 592) tested six months of IMPaCT among outpatients at academic, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Federally Qualified Health Center primary care practices. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The primary outcome for this study was all-cause hospitalization, as measured by total number of hospital days per patient. Hospitalization data were collected from statewide or VA databases at 30 days postenrollment in Trial 1, twelve months postenrollment in Trial 2, and nine months postenrollment in Trial 3. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Over 9398 observed patient months, the total number of hospital days per patient in the intervention group was 66 percent of the total in the control group (849 days for 674 intervention patients vs 1258 days for 660 control patients, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.66, P < .0001). This reduction was driven by fewer hospitalizations per patient (0.27 vs 0.34, P < .0001) and shorter mean length of stay (4.72 vs 5.57 days, P = .03). The intervention also decreased rates of hospitalization outside patients' primary health system (18.8 percent vs 34.8 percent, P = .0023). CONCLUSIONS Data from three randomized clinical trials across multiple settings show that a standardized CHW intervention reduced total hospital days and hospitalizations outside the primary health system. This is the largest analysis of randomized trials to demonstrate reductions in hospitalization with a health system-based social intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Vasan
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,PolicyLab and Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John W Morgan
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nandita Mitra
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chang Xu
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Judith A Long
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Asch
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shreya Kangovi
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Penn Center for Community Health Workers, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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