The Evidence is in. CHWs are Chronic Disease Health Brokers. Michigan Community Health Workers Association Annual Meeting, April 28, 2017 Beth Jabin Lauren Neely William Jackson Octavia Smith
Structure of this short presentation Provide a review/overview of the Community Health Worker role in assisting members of the community in preventing and managing chronic disease including heart disease and stroke (10 min) Highlight available community-based lifestyle education resources (10 min) Lessons from the field (15 min) Q/A (5 min)
The Case for Community Health Workers Evidence that supports the use of CHWs in chronic disease continues to grow Two Institute of Medicine Reports 1- Recommends including CHWs in multidisciplinary teams 2- The CDC Division for HDSP to work with state partners to enact policy and systems changes
Community Health Workers Addressing the social determinants of health A critical link! Help clients meet their goals Outcomes Health Cost savings
Community Health Workers Role in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease
Support People in Their Health Care Needs Remind people and provide community resources for regular blood pressure screening Help community members who do not have a doctor to find one and/or make and keep appointments Assist with transportation Aid health care team in understanding specific patient needs and barriers to self-care (cultural beliefs, disability, safety issues, etc.) Assist with medication adherence Link with community pharmacist for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Link with Diabetes Self Management Education (DMSE) Encourage communication of issues with prescriber
Help People Make Better Lifestyle Choices Help people choose a diet that includes plenty of F/V, whole grains, low fat protein, and healthy fats Help community members learn how to reduce their intake of sodium DASH diet MDHHS resources Encourage people to be more physically active Work with community leaders to increase access to healthy foods and establish safe places for physical activity Encourage smokers to quit
Referrals to Community-based Lifestyle Education Resources Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) YMCA s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program Check It. Change It. Control It. Weight Watchers Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
Diabetes Prevention Program Group-setting Support from others working on the same goal Led by trained lifestyle coaches, peers Focus on weight loss through physical activity, healthy eating, and behavior change Payment assistance available Eligibility Completers reduced diabetes risk by 58%!
Diabetes Self-Management Education Group or individual sessions Based on patient needs 1-10 hours as needed Led by Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), nurses, dietitians, pharmacists Covered by most insurances Ordered by clinicians All diabetes: type 1, type 2, gestational
4 Critical Times When should someone see a Diabetes Educator? When someone is diagnosed Yearly check ins When a new challenge is presented, such as financial or emotional distress, or medication issues When there are changes in a persons healthcare: physician, insurance, moving to a new location, or experiencing age-related issues
Lessons From the Field Octavia Smith Western Wayne Family Health Center William Jackson Spectrum Health
Q & A
Thank You! For your time today and for the work you do each and every day!