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Grant V, Litchfield I. Acceptability of community health worker and peer supported interventions for ethnic minorities with type 2 diabetes: a qualitative systematic review. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2024; 5:1306199. [PMID: 38836261 PMCID: PMC11148349 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1306199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Objective Ethnic minority groups in high income countries in North America, Europe, and elsewhere are disproportionately affected by T2DM with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. The use of community health workers and peer supporters offer a way of ensuring the benefits of self-management support observed in the general population are shared by those in minoritized communities. Materials and methods The major databases were searched for existing qualitative evidence of participants' experiences and perspectives of self-management support for type 2 diabetes delivered by community health workers and peer supporters (CHWPs) in ethnically minoritized populations. The data were analysed using Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results The results are described within five domains of the framework of acceptability collapsed from seven for reasons of clarity and concision: Affective attitude described participants' satisfaction with CHWPs delivering the intervention including the open, trusting relationships that developed in contrast to those with clinical providers. In considering Burden and Opportunity Costs, participants reflected on the impact of health, transport, and the responsibilities of work and childcare on their attendance, alongside a lack of resources necessary to maintain healthy diets and active lifestyles. In relation to Cultural Sensitivity participants appreciated the greater understanding of the specific cultural needs and challenges exhibited by CHWPs. The evidence related to Intervention Coherence indicated that participants responded positively to the practical and applied content, the range of teaching materials, and interactive practical sessions. Finally, in examining the impact of Effectiveness and Self-efficacy participants described how they changed a range of health-related behaviours, had more confidence in dealing with their condition and interacting with senior clinicians and benefitted from the social support of fellow participants and CHWPs. Conclusion Many of the same barriers around attendance and engagement with usual self-management support interventions delivered to general populations were observed, including lack of time and resource. However, the insight of CHWPs, their culturally-sensitive and specific strategies for self-management and their development of trusting relationships presented considerable advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivene Grant
- Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Litchfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Joseph G. The role of sovereignty in Indigenous community-based health interventions: A qualitative metasynthesis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 73:216-233. [PMID: 37058286 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous peoples around the world suffer from health disparities attributed to a plethora of risk factors and social determinants of health stemming from colonialism and systemic oppression. Community-based health interventions have been identified as a means for addressing and reducing Indigenous health disparities by allowing for Indigenous sovereignty to be respected and centered. However, sovereignty relating to Indigenous health and well-being is underresearched. The present article explores the role of sovereignty in Indigenous community-based health interventions. A qualitative metasynthesis was conducted among 14 primary research studies co-authored by Indigenous people describing and evaluating Indigenous community-based health interventions. Five conceptual themes emerged as aspects of sovereignty which benefit Indigenous health and well-being outcomes: integration of culture; relocation of knowledge; connectedness; self-actualization; and stewardship. Implications are discussed, with the goal of creating a decolonial framework rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and perspectives for how sovereignty impacts Indigenous health, as well as strengthening a clear need for further research on and praxis of sovereignty in Indigenous healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Joseph
- Center for World Indigenous Studies, Olympia, Washington, USA
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Hopkins SE, Orr E, Boyer BB, Thompson B. Culturally adapting an evidence-based intervention to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle for Yup'ik Alaska native communities. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2159888. [PMID: 36544274 PMCID: PMC9788688 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2159888] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Underserved populations are at increased risk for obesity and related cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Lack of access to healthy foods, sedentary behaviour, and other social environmental factors contribute to disease risk. Yup'ik Alaska Native communities are experiencing lifestyle changes that are likely to affect their cardiometabolic risks. Barrera & Castro's Cultural Adaptation Framework was used to adapt an evidence-based intervention (EBI) originally designed for Latino communities for use in Yup'ik communities. Focus groups and key informant interviews were held in two Yup'ik communities. Major themes included causes of obesity, barriers and facilitators to healthy foods and physical activity, and intervention ideas. The adaptation process was guided by a Community Planning Group of Yup'ik women and included information gathering, preliminary adaptation design, preliminary adaptation tests, and adaptation refinement. Two of the adapted educational modules were pilot tested. Involving community members as co-researchers in cultural adaptation is vital for an EBI to be effective in another population. Small group gatherings led by local lay health workers are culturally appropriate and may be an effective health promotion model in Yup'ik communities. Social environmental factors affecting healthy food availability and physical activity need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarlett E. Hopkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Eliza Orr
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Bert B. Boyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Beti Thompson
- Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Participant Perspectives on Community Health Workers' Critical Role in Their Experience of the Pathways Program to Address Complex Needs. J Ambul Care Manage 2023; 46:210-220. [PMID: 36939642 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe participants' experiences of Pathways, a community hub care coordination model, including its impact on their lives and their relationship with the Pathways community health worker (CHW). The research team conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews with Pathways participants (n = 13) and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. Interviews reveal how Pathways helps individuals navigate systems more confidently, increases access to needed resources, and improves well-being. CHWs defined participants' experience, providing a safe, reliable setting to make progress toward goals. Our findings support the evidence base for Pathways as an effective model of care coordination for people with complex needs.
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Bytyci-Katanolli A, Merten S, Kwiatkowski M, Obas K, Gerold J, Zahorka M, Jerliu N, Ramadani Q, Fota N, Probst-Hensch N. Non-communicable disease prevention in Kosovo: quantitative and qualitative assessment of uptake and barriers of an intervention for healthier lifestyles in primary healthcare. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:647. [PMID: 35568906 PMCID: PMC9107010 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07969-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking, physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and obesity are common in Kosovo. Their prevention is a priority to relieve the health system of from costly non-communicable disease treatments. The Accessible Quality Healthcare project is implementing a primary healthcare intervention that entails nurse-guided motivational counselling to facilitate change in the domains of smoking, diet, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity for at-risk patients. This study quantitatively assesses the uptake of motivational counselling and the distribution of health behaviours and stages of health behaviour change of the participants according to the intervention, as well as qualitatively describes experiences and perceived benefits of motivational counselling. METHODS Study participants (n = 907) were recruited consecutively in 2019 from patients visiting the Main Family Medical Centres in 12 municipalities participating in the Kosovo Non-Communicable Disease Cohort study as part of the Accessible Quality Healthcare project. For the quantitative study, we used baseline and first follow-up data on smoking status, physical inactivity, obesity, fruit and vegetable as well as alcohol consumption, uptake of counselling, and stages for behavioural change. For the qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of 26 cohort participants who had undergone motivational counselling. RESULTS Motivational counselling was obtained by only 22% of the eligible participants in the intervention municipalities. Unhealthy behaviours are high even in persons who underwent counselling (of whom 13% are smokers; 86% physically inactive; 93% with inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption; and 61% are obese); only the rate of smoking was lower in those who obtained counselling. Among smokers, over 80% were still in the pre-contemplation phase of behaviour change. More advanced stages of behaviour change were observed among the highly prevalent group of inactive persons and participants with poor dietary habits, among the 5 intervention municipalities. According to the qualitative study results, the participants who obtained motivational counselling were very satisfied with the services but requested additional services such as group physical activity sessions and specialized services for smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS More tailored and additional primary health care approaches in accordance with patients' views need to be considered for the motivational counselling intervention to reach patients and efficiently facilitate lifestyle behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Bytyci-Katanolli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Merten
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrina Obas
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jana Gerold
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Zahorka
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Naim Jerliu
- National Institute of Public Health Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
- University of Prishtina, Medical Faculty, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | | | - Nicu Fota
- Accessible Quality Healthcare Project, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Johnson SS. Knowing Well, Being Well: well-being born of understanding: The Urgent Need for Coordinated and Comprehensive Efforts to Combat Misinformation. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:559-581. [PMID: 35164544 PMCID: PMC8851052 DOI: 10.1177/08901171211070957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Calac AJ, Southwell BG. How Misinformation Research Can Mask Relationship Gaps that Undermine Public Health Response. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:561-563. [DOI: 10.1177/08901171211070951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alec J. Calac
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brian G. Southwell
- Science in the Public Sphere, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Gagné M, Lauzier S, Lemay M, Loiselle CG, Provencher L, Simard C, Guillaumie L. Women with breast cancer's perceptions of nurse-led telephone-based motivational interviewing consultations to enhance adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4759-4768. [PMID: 35133477 PMCID: PMC8825251 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) for 5 or 10 years is the standard of care for women diagnosed with non-metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, many women experience AET-related issues that may hamper quality of life and adherence. Here, we aimed to describe women's perceptions of motivational interviewing (MI)-guided consultations delivered by a trained nurse navigator over the telephone to enhance AET adherence. METHODS Eighteen women who were first prescribed AET for non-metastatic breast cancer in the last 5 years, who self-reported AET-related issues, and who participated in at least two MI-guided consultations over a year were interviewed about their perceptions of the intervention, using a semi-structured interview guide. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the data about women's perceptions on MI-guided consultations. These consultations were described as (1) a person-centred experience, (2) providing key information about AET, and (3) supportive of present and future AET experience, by contributing to AET side-effect management, motivation, adherence, calming negative emotions, improving well-being and self-esteem, and making women to feel empowered. CONCLUSIONS Nurse-led telephone-based MI-guided consultations about AET were found to respond to participants' needs and to enhance participants' perceptions of being informed and being supported in experiencing various facets of AET. Telephone-based consultations for AET are perceived as a promising strategy in an increasing virtual care world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Gagné
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Unity Health Toronto (St. Michael’s Hospital), affiliated with the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Sophie Lauzier
- grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Québec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, QC Canada ,grid.498721.1Équipe de recherche Michel-Sarrazin en oncologie psychosociale et soins palliatifs (ERMOS), Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Martine Lemay
- grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Centre des maladies du sein, CHU de Québec-Université-Laval, Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Carmen G. Loiselle
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Oncology and Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Louise Provencher
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Cancer Research Centre, Université Laval, Québec City, QC Canada
| | - Chantale Simard
- grid.265696.80000 0001 2162 9981Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC Canada
| | - Laurence Guillaumie
- grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Québec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université Laval Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Local 3443, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
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Aiyegbusi OL, Nair D, Peipert JD, Schick-Makaroff K, Mucsi I. A narrative review of current evidence supporting the implementation of electronic patient-reported outcome measures in the management of chronic diseases. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021; 12:20406223211015958. [PMID: 34104376 PMCID: PMC8150668 DOI: 10.1177/20406223211015958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An application of telemedicine of growing interest and relevance is the use of personal computers and mobile devices to collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs are self-reports of patients' health status without interpretation by anyone else. The tools developed to assess PROs are known as patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs). The technological innovations that have led to an increased ownership of electronic devices have also facilitated the development of electronic PROMs (ePROMs). ePROMs are a conduit for telemedicine in the care of patients with chronic diseases. Various studies have demonstrated that the use of ePROMs in routine clinical practice is both acceptable and feasible with patients increasingly expressing a preference for an electronic mode of administration. There is increasing evidence that the use of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePROMs) could have significant impacts on outcomes valued by patients, healthcare providers and researchers. Whilst the development and implementation of these systems may be initially costly and resource-intensive, patient preferences and existing evidence to support their implementation suggests the need for continued research prioritisation in this area. This narrative review summarises and discusses evidence of the impact of ePROMs on clinical parameters and outcomes relevant to chronic diseases. We also explore recently published literature regarding issues that may influence the robust implementation of ePROMs for routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Centre, West Midlands, UK
| | - Devika Nair
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA Vanderbilt O’Brien Center for Kidney Disease, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John Devin Peipert
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Istvan Mucsi
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, University Health Network and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Trevisi L, Orav JE, Atwood S, Brown C, Curley C, King C, Muskett O, Sehn H, Nelson AK, Begay MG, Shin SS. Community Outreach for Navajo People Living with Diabetes: Who Benefits Most? Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E68. [PMID: 32701432 PMCID: PMC7380292 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE) intervention provides integrated outreach through community health representatives (CHRs) to people living with diabetes in Navajo Nation. The aim of this study was to identify groups for whom the intervention had the greatest effect on glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). METHODS We analyzed de-identified data extracted from routine health records dated from December 1, 2010, through August 31, 2014, to compare net change in HbA1c among COPE patients and non-COPE patients. We used linear mixed models to assess whether the intervention was modified by age, sex, preferred language, having a primary care provider, baseline HbA1c, or having a mental health condition. RESULTS Age, having a primary care provider, and baseline HbA1c significantly modified HbA1c levels. Among patients aged 64 or younger, COPE participation was associated with a net decrease in HbA1c of 0.77%; among patients aged 65 or older, the net decrease was 0.49% (P = .03). COPE participation was associated with a steeper decrease in HbA1c among patients without a primary care physician (net decrease, 0.99%) than among patients with a primary care provider (net decrease, 0.57%) (P = .03). COPE patients with a baseline HbA1c >9% had a net decrease of 0.70%, while those with a baseline HbA1c ≤9% had a net decrease of 0.34% (P = .01). We found no significant differences based on sex, preferred language, or having a mental health condition. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that the COPE intervention was robust and equitable, benefiting all groups living with diabetes in Navajo Nation, but conferring the greatest benefit on the most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Trevisi
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John E Orav
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sidney Atwood
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christian Brown
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cameron Curley
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caroline King
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Olivia Muskett
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah Sehn
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Partners in Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mae-Gilene Begay
- Navajo Nation Department of Health, Navajo Department of Health, Window Rock, Navajo Nation
| | - Sonya S Shin
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115.
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Franz C, Atwood S, Orav EJ, Curley C, Brown C, Trevisi L, Nelson AK, Begay MG, Shin S. Community-based outreach associated with increased health utilization among Navajo individuals living with diabetes: a matched cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:460. [PMID: 32450874 PMCID: PMC7247176 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Navajo community members face high rates of diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases. The Navajo Community Health Representative Outreach Program collaborated with healthcare providers and academic partners to implement structured and coordinated outreach to patients living with diabetes. The intervention, called Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment or COPE, provides home-based health coaching and community-clinic linkages to promote self-management and engagement in healthcare services among patients living with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how outreach by Navajo Community Health Representatives (“COPE Program”) affected utilization of health care services among patients living with diabetes. Methods De-identified data from 2010 to 2014 were abstracted from electronic health records at participating health facilities. In this observational cohort study, 173 cases were matched to 2880 controls. Healthcare utilization was measured as the number of times per quarter services were accessed by the patient. Changes in utilization over 4 years were modeled using a difference-in-differences approach, comparing the trajectory of COPE patients’ utilization before versus after enrollment with that of the control group. The model was estimated using generalized linear mixed models for count outcomes, controlling for clustering at the patient level and the service unit level. Results COPE enrollees showed a 2.5% per patient per quarter (pppq) greater increase in total utilization (p = 0.001) of healthcare services than non-COPE enrollees; a 3.2% greater increase in primary care visits (p = 0.024); a 6.3% greater increase in utilization of counseling and behavioral health services (p = 0.013); and a 9.0% greater increase in pharmacy visits (p < 0.001). We found no statistically significant differences in utilization trends of inpatient, emergency room, specialty outpatient, dental, laboratory, radiology, or community encounter services among COPE participants versus control. Conclusions A structured intervention consisting of Community Health Representative outreach and coordination with clinic-based providers was associated with a modest increase in health care utilization, including primary care and counseling services, among Navajo patients living with diabetes. Community health workers may provide an important linkage to enable patients to access and engage in clinic-based health care. Trial registration NCT03326206, registered 10/31/2017, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Franz
- Eastern Research Group, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Sidney Atwood
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E John Orav
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron Curley
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Brown
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Letizia Trevisi
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrianne Katrina Nelson
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mae-Gilene Begay
- Navajo Nation Community Health Representative Outreach Program, Navajo Nation Department of Health, Window Rock, AZ, USA
| | - Sonya Shin
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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