Residents and Fellows Research in Progress
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Gennesaret Free Clinic (GFC) provides free care regardless of insurance status and is located within a food pantry serving a neighborhood with the highest poverty rate and lowest life expectancy in Indiana. A community health worker (CHW)-pharmacist model utilizing a collaborative practice agreement for cardiovascular risk reduction (CVRR) (i.e., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, tobacco cessation) was developed. While onsite at clinic one day each week, a pharmacist manages patients’ medication needs while a CHW addresses social determinants of health (SDOH). Including a CHW in care of patients is essential to address low health literacy, medical mistrust, and poor communication with providers.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What are the initial service outcomes of the CHW-pharmacist CVRR care model within a food pantry-based free clinic?
Study Design: Descriptive
Methods: The Institute of Medicine healthcare quality domains guided categorization of effectiveness (clinical) and patient-centeredness (SDOH) service outcomes. Clinical data consisted of blood pressure measurements and statin initiation rates. SDOH data consisted of number of referrals to social and health services. Data were collected via REDCap. Descriptive statistical analyses were completed via REDCap and SPSS.
Results: From February-August 2023, a total of 97 appointments with 43 patients were completed. Of the patients 60.5% were Black or African American, 34% were White, and of these, 26% identified ethnically as Hispanic/Latinx. Two-thirds (66%) were uninsured and 42% had a primary language other than English. Mean blood pressure at the initial visit was 153/98 mmHg (SD 21.2/14.2). Preliminary results show a mean difference in systolic blood pressure of 7 mmHg in those with 3 clinic visits (n=12). Statins were initiated in 10 patients. The CHW provided 28 referrals to social and health services including mental health care, vision care, and food pantries.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that initial service outcomes of the CHW-pharmacist CVRR care model is effective and patient-centered.
Presenting Author
Mitchell Struewing PharmDPurdue University
Authors
Omolola A. Adeoye-Olatunde PharmD, MS
Purdue University College of Pharmacy
Kourtney A.D. Byrd PhD, MPH
Ashley Meredith PharmD, MPH
Purdue University College of Pharmacy
Megan Conklin PharmD
Purdue University College of Pharmacy
Kalesia Smith CCHW