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Prescription for Health Diabetes Project

An Evidence-Based Practice

This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.

Description

The goal of the Prescription for Health Diabetes Project was to improve health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes. This project targeted patients of the Open Door Health Center (ODHC) in Homestead, Florida. The clinic served a diverse population, mostly Hispanic and from Mexico, but others were Haitians, people from the Caribbean, and African Americans.

Staff at the ODHC first made multiple organizational changes, including: implementing new systems that made efficient use of limited staff resources, involving patients in self-management support roles, developing strong community partnerships to expand the system of care delivery, and finding an educational approach that suited the patient population.

Volunteer community health workers were recruited and trained to provide peer support and culturally appropriate diabetes education. Also, group appointments were initiated in order to encourage peer support and help increase patient understanding of self management tools.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Prescription for Health Diabetes Project was to improve health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes through culturally-appropriate interventions.

Results / Accomplishments

Patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed twice, once soon after project implementation and again at a later stage of implementation. Significant improvements were achieved from Time 1 to Time 2 in total cholesterol (p<0.038), LDL cholesterol (p<0.002), and body weight (p<0.02)

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Open Door Health Center
Primary Contact
Nilda Soto
Open Door Health Center
1350 SW 4th St.
Homestead, FL 33030
nsoto@opendoorhc.org
http://www.diabetesinitiative.org/programs/DIODHC....
Topics
Health / Diabetes
Organization(s)
Open Door Health Center
Source
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Date of publication
Jun 2007
Date of implementation
2002
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Homestead and Florida City, FL
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Miami-Dade Matters