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Petry SE, Lara L, Boucher NA. Older Caregivers: Who They Are and How to Support Them. J Aging Soc Policy 2024; 36:589-602. [PMID: 35290168 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2051683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers play a crucial role in providing health and social supports to their family and friends. Older adults who take on caregiving roles are themselves uniquely vulnerable to negative health and financial effects due to their age and underlying health risks. Many caregivers do not receive adequate support - either formally or informally - exacerbating the strains of providing care. Racial and ethnic minority caregivers may be less likely to report receiving support in their role and face additional challenges. We describe these caregivers over 65 and the burdens they face. We recommend community health workers, direct compensation, and normalization of respite care to support these essential care workers in their role and as they age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Petry
- Doctoral Student, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Luz Lara
- Director of Senior Services, Union Settlement, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nathan A Boucher
- Doctoral Student, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Health Research Specialist, Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Core Faculty, Duke- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Associate Research Professor, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, USA
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Kowalczyk M, Yao N, Gregory L, Cheatham J, DeClemente T, Fox K, Ignoffo S, Volerman A. Community health worker perspectives: examining current responsibilities and strategies for success. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:94. [PMID: 38907308 PMCID: PMC11191347 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health worker (CHW) interventions have demonstrated positive impacts globally, with the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighting the potential of CHWs at the frontline to support prevention, outreach, and healthcare delivery. As the workforce expands, understanding the work and capabilities of CHWs is key to design successful interventions. This study examines the perspectives of experienced CHWs in Chicago about their current work and strategies for success. METHODS As part of a community-academic partnership in Chicago, semi-structured interviews were completed with individuals who held positions aligned with CHW. Interviews were conducted between January and April 2022. Questions focused on participants' work and factors contributing to their effectiveness to gain insights into workforce strategies for success to be applied in healthcare and community settings. De-identified transcripts were analyzed using inductive reasoning with codes organized into themes and subthemes under two domains identified a priori. The themes informed a logic model focused on the early stages to support the success of CHWs in their role. RESULTS Fourteen individuals participated in the study. The two predetermined domains in this study were: current work of CHWs and strategies for CHWs to be successful. Five themes were identified about CHWs' current work: providing services, building alliances with clients, establishing and maintaining collaborations, collecting data, and experiencing challenges in role. From their perspectives, all these responsibilities enhance client care and support workforce sustainability efforts. Five themes emerged about strategies for the success of CHWs: background of CHWs, champions to support work of CHWs, materials to perform work of CHWs, preparation for CHW role, and characteristics of CHWs. Participants described key traits CHWs should possess to be hired, individuals who can champion and advocate for their work, and specific materials needed to fulfill responsibilities. They reported that training and familiarity with the community were integral to developing and refining the qualities and skills necessary to be effective in their role. CONCLUSION CHWs play an increasingly important role in enhancing healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes. This study offers a framework for policymakers, communities, and organizations to utilize for preparing CHWs to succeed in their roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Kowalczyk
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicole Yao
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - LaToya Gregory
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeannine Cheatham
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tarrah DeClemente
- Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Health and Wellness, 42 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth Fox
- Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Health and Wellness, 42 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stacy Ignoffo
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL, #1782, USA
| | - Anna Volerman
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, USA.
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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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Litchfield I, Barrett T, Hamilton-Shield J, Moore T, Narendran P, Redwood S, Searle A, Uday S, Wheeler J, Greenfield S. Current evidence for designing self-management support for underserved populations: an integrative review using the example of diabetes. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:188. [PMID: 37697302 PMCID: PMC10496394 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS With numerous and continuing attempts at adapting diabetes self-management support programmes to better account for underserved populations, its important that the lessons being learned are understood and shared. The work we present here reviews the latest evidence and best practice in designing and embedding culturally and socially sensitive, self-management support programmes. METHODS We explored the literature with regard to four key design considerations of diabetes self-management support programmes: Composition - the design and content of written materials and digital tools and interfaces; Structure - the combination of individual and group sessions, their frequency, and the overall duration of programmes; Facilitators - the combination of individuals used to deliver the programme; and Context - the influence and mitigation of a range of individual, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. RESULTS We found useful and recent examples of design innovation within a variety of countries and models of health care delivery including Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Within Composition we confirmed the importance of retaining best practice in creating readily understood written information and intuitive digital interfaces; Structure the need to offer group, individual, and remote learning options in programmes of flexible duration and frequency; Facilitators where the benefits of using culturally concordant peers and community-based providers were described; and finally in Context the need to integrate self-management support programmes within existing health systems, and tailor their various constituent elements according to the language, resources, and beliefs of individuals and their communities. CONCLUSIONS A number of design principles across the four design considerations were identified that together offer a promising means of creating the next generation of self-management support programme more readily accessible for underserved communities. Ultimately, we recommend that the precise configuration should be co-produced by all relevant service and patient stakeholders and its delivery embedded in local health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Litchfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Tim Barrett
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK
| | - Julian Hamilton-Shield
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 2NT, UK
- The Royal Hospital for Children in Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8BJ, UK
- NIHR Bristol BRC Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Foundation Trust, Bristol, B52 8AE, UK
| | - Theresa Moore
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 1TH, B52 8EA, UK
| | - Parth Narendran
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Sabi Redwood
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 1TH, B52 8EA, UK
| | - Aidan Searle
- NIHR Bristol BRC Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Foundation Trust, Bristol, B52 8AE, UK
| | - Suma Uday
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jess Wheeler
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 1TH, B52 8EA, UK
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Hernandez-Salinas C, Marsiglia FF, Oh H, Campos AP, De La Rosa K. Community Health Workers as Puentes/Bridges to Increase COVID-19 Health Equity in Latinx Communities of the Southwest U.S. J Community Health 2023; 48:398-413. [PMID: 36536085 PMCID: PMC9762869 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study documents the pivotal role that Community Health Workers (CHW) played while supporting underserved Latinx communities affected by COVID-19-related health inequities. With the support of CHWs' agencies historically serving three Latinx-dense counties in Arizona, we recruited CHWs who participated in a state-wide COVID-19 testing project. Using phenomenology and narrative qualitative research methods, five focus groups were facilitated in Spanish between August and November 2021. Bilingual research team members conducted the analysis of the Spanish verbatim transcripts and CHWs reviewed the results for validity. Three interconnected themes reflected the CHWs experiences: (1) CHWs as puentes/bridges with deep community embeddedness through shared experiences and social/cultural context, (2) CHWs as communication brokers and transformational agents, playing a pivotal role in responding to the health and socioeconomic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) CHWs satisfaction and frustration due to their dual role as committed community members but unrecognized and undervalued frontline public health workers. These findings emphasize the CHWs' commitment towards supporting their communities, even amidst the stressors of the pandemic. It is important to continue to integrate the role of CHWs into the larger healthcare system as opposed to relegating them to short term engagements as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides a set of practice, policy, and future research recommendations, emphasizing the need to allocate greater budgetary and training resources in support of CHWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hernandez-Salinas
- Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 North Central Avenue, Suite 720, Mail Code 4320, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Flavio F Marsiglia
- Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 North Central Avenue, Suite 720, Mail Code 4320, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Hyunsung Oh
- Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 North Central Avenue, Suite 720, Mail Code 4320, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Ana Paola Campos
- Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 North Central Avenue, Suite 720, Mail Code 4320, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | - Kate De La Rosa
- Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 North Central Avenue, Suite 720, Mail Code 4320, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
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Barnes GD, Weyand AC. When technology improves patient care and provider experience. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:100088. [PMID: 37138551 PMCID: PMC10150177 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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Deverts DJ, Heisler M, Kieffer EC, Piatt GA, Valbuena F, Yabes JG, Guajardo C, Ilarraza-Montalvo D, Palmisano G, Koerbel G, Rosland AM. Comparing the effectiveness of Family Support for Health Action (FAM-ACT) with traditional community health worker-led interventions to improve adult diabetes management and outcomes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:841. [PMID: 36192769 PMCID: PMC9527393 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs have struggled to deliver sustainable, effective support for adults with diabetes (AWDs) to improve self-management behaviors, achieve glycemic goals, and reduce risk for complications. One largely untapped resource for this support is AWDs' social networks. Fifty to 75% of AWDs have an unpaid family member or friend ("support person") who provides ongoing help with diabetes management. However, DSMES interventions to date lack structured and effective approaches to directly engage support persons in AWDs' diabetes management. METHODS This parallel arm randomized trial is designed to determine the effectiveness of Family Support for Health Action (FAM-ACT), a novel community health worker (CHW)-delivered program focused on educating and supporting patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their support persons (SPs), relative to an established, CHW-delivered, individual patient-focused DSMES and care management (I-DSMES) intervention. Both interventions were developed using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The study will be conducted in partnership with an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving a low-income, Latino/a community, with target enrollment of 268 dyads consisting of an FQHC patient with T2D with high HbA1c and an SP. Patient-SP dyads will be randomized to receive FAM-ACT or I-DSMES over 6 months. The primary outcome is change in patient HbA1c from baseline to 6 months. Secondary patient outcomes include 12-month change in HbA1c, changes in patient blood pressure, diabetes self-management behaviors, diabetes distress, patient activation, diabetes self-efficacy, and perceptions of and satisfaction with SP support for diabetes. Secondary SP outcomes include self-efficacy for helping the patient with diabetes management and SP distress about the patient's diabetes. We also will assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient's ability to manage diabetes. DISCUSSION This study will inform scalable, evidence-based approaches that leverage family support to help AWDs improve and sustain self-management strategies that underpin optimal management of multiple diabetes complication risk factors. The protocol is designed for and evaluated with a low-income and predominantly Latino/a community, which may increase applicability to other similar communities. The COVID-19 pandemic presented several challenges to study protocol and intervention delivery; modifications made to address these challenges are described. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03812614. Registered on 18 January 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Felix Valbuena
- Community Health and Social Services Center, Inc., Detroit, MI USA
| | | | - Claudia Guajardo
- Community Health and Social Services Center, Inc., Detroit, MI USA
| | | | - Gloria Palmisano
- Community Health and Social Services Center, Inc., Detroit, MI USA
| | - Glory Koerbel
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Price A, de Bell S, Shaw N, Bethel A, Anderson R, Coon JT. What is the volume, diversity and nature of recent, robust evidence for the use of peer support in health and social care? An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 18:e1264. [PMID: 36909883 PMCID: PMC9316011 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Peer support interventions involve people drawing on shared personal experience to help one another improve their physical or mental health, or reduce social isolation. If effective, they may also lessen the demand on health and social care services, reducing costs. However, the design and delivery of peer support varies greatly, from the targeted problem or need, the setting and mode of delivery, to the number and content of sessions. Robust evidence is essential for policymakers commissioning peer support and practitioners delivering services in health care and community settings. This map draws together evidence on different types of peer support to support the design and delivery of interventions. Objectives The aim of this map was to provide an overview of the volume, diversity and nature of recent, high quality evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the use of peer support in health and social care. Search Methods We searched MEDLINE, seven further bibliographic databases, and Epistemonikos for systematic reviews (in October 2020), randomised controlled trials (in March 2021) and economic evaluations (in May 2021) on the effectiveness of peer support interventions in health and social care. We also conducted searches of Google Scholar, two trial registers, PROSPERO, and completed citation chasing on included studies. Selection Criteria Systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and economic evaluations were included in the map. Included studies focused on adult populations with a defined health or social care need, were conducted in high-income countries, and published since 2015. Any measure of effectiveness was included, as was any form of peer support providing the peer had shared experience with the participant and a formalised role. Data Collection and Analysis Data were extracted on the type of peer support intervention and outcomes assessed in included studies. Standardised tools were used to assess study quality for all studies: assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews 2 for systematic reviews; Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials; and consensus health economic criteria list for economic evaluations. Main Results We included 91 studies: 32 systematic reviews; 52 randomised controlled trials; and 7 economic evaluations. Whilst most included systematic reviews and economic evaluations were assessed to be of low or medium quality, the majority of randomised controlled trials were of higher quality. There were concentrations of evidence relating to different types of peer support, including education, psychological support, self-care/self-management and social support. Populations with long-term health conditions were most commonly studied. The majority of studies measured health-related indicators as outcomes; few studies assessed cost-effectiveness. Studies were unevenly distributed geographically, with most being conducted in the USA. Several gaps were evident regarding the delivery of peer support, particularly the integration of peers and professionals in delivering support and interventions of longer duration. Authors' Conclusions Although there is evidence available to inform the commissioning and delivery of peer support in health and social care, there are also clear gaps that need to be addressed to further support provision, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness. The effectiveness of peer support in different countries, with varying health and social care systems, is a priority for future research, as is the integration of peers with professionals in delivering peer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Price
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Siân de Bell
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Naomi Shaw
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Alison Bethel
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Rob Anderson
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Jo Thompson Coon
- Exeter HS&DR Evidence Synthesis CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical School, University of ExeterExeterUK
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Torres HA, Schmidt VA. Maximizing diabetes education efforts in vulnerable populations - newer delivery concepts. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:23-28. [PMID: 34864758 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients from ethnic/minority backgrounds or low socioeconomic status face numerous barriers to achieving ideal diabetes care goals. The purpose of this review is to describe the burden of diabetes in vulnerable populations; discuss the etiologic factors leading to health disparities in diabetes; and present challenges and solutions to improving diabetes care through novel diabetes self-management education and support interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Recent interventions to alleviate health disparities utilize a combination of community health workers, peer leaders and technology-based approaches to provide diabetes self-management education and support and overcome barriers to diabetes control such as low literacy, difficulty with transportation, and cultural beliefs. These interventions achieve clinically meaningful improvements in blood glucose control as measured by haemoglobin A1C and are effective in addressing psychosocial outcomes such as diabetes distress. Research is underway to address food insecurity through food delivery and use behavioural economics principles to provide financial incentives to diabetes control. SUMMARY Combining human interaction through peer or community health worker led diabetes educational efforts and support with technology-based interventions shows promise in improving diabetes outcomes for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A Torres
- Division of Endocrinology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lv X, Yu DSF, Cao Y, Xia J. Self-Care Experiences of Empty-Nest Elderly Living With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study From China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:745145. [PMID: 34867789 PMCID: PMC8636925 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.745145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases among empty-nest elderly increases with increasing aging in China. Self-care plays an important role in preventing and reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes; however, few studies focus on self-care experiences of empty-nest elderly with T2DM. Objective To explore self-care experiences for a chronic disease among empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM in mainland China. Methods A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 empty-nesters with T2DM. Interviews were implemented in department of endocrinology at a tertiary teaching hospital located in Shandong province, east of China. Results The participants were poorly adept with monitoring their blood glucose and lacked the ability to deal with abnormal blood glucose levels. Most participants had a good relationship with medication and physical activity. Living without children was perceived as a benefit that improved dietary management and is a disadvantage in terms of economic and emotional support and access to medical resources. Elderly empty-nesters also lacked knowledge about diabetes and paid little attention to potential complications. Conclusion Empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM value medication compliance and lifestyle modification more than blood glucose monitoring, complication prevention, and coping with negative emotions. Friends and spouses play indispensable roles in patients' self-care motivation and maintenance. Diabetes education on self-care, access to medical resources, and social support is needed for better diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lv
- Department of Nursing, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Nursing Theory & Practice Innovation Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Doris S. F. Yu
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingjuan Cao
- Department of Nursing, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Nursing Theory & Practice Innovation Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinghua Xia
- Department of Nursing, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
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