Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Health centers are community-based, patient directed primary care providers that offer accessible, high-quality primary care within medically underserved communities. Screening for cancer and managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and depression are vital services for the vulnerable populations seen by community health centers. Delivering care for complex chronic conditions and preventive services using virtual models that integrate self-care tools and technology is an important approach to increasing access for hard-to-reach patients served by health centers.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the use of a virtual care model, applied using a systems approach and patient-driven tools and technology, on the performance of clinical and patient experience measures.
Methods
A virtual care model, applied using a systems approach offered by the Value Transformation Framework (VTF), was combined with self-care tools and technology in twenty health centers across 17 states to drive improvement efforts. Changes in clinical measures and patient experience were compared.
Results
A total of 385 patients were enrolled and 270 (70.1%) completed a baseline visit and at least four virtual visits during the six-month intervention period. Statistically significant improvements were seen in measures for HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and bodyweight. Among the 270 who completed the baseline and at least 4 virtual visits, the percentage up-to-date for colorectal cancer screening increased from 113/270 (41.9%) to 169/270 (62.6%) after six months, p<0.001, a 20.7% increase. Patients completing the baseline visit and at least 4 virtual visits reported a 10.7% decrease in depression and increased satisfaction with virtual care visits compared to in-person visits (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Health centers applying the Value Transformation Framework’s organizing framework to the use of virtual care models together with patient self-care tools, technology, and education, had improvements in measures for chronic and preventive conditions and patient experience.
First Page
521
Last Page
531
DOI
10.2147/JMDH.S443973
Publication Date
2-2024
Recommended Citation
Modica C, Lewis JH, Bay RC. Advancing Virtual at-Home Care for Community Health Center Patients Using Patient Self-Care Tools, Technology, and Education. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:521-531 https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S443973
Included in
Allergy and Immunology Commons, Anatomy Commons, Anesthesiology Commons, Behavioral Medicine Commons, Cardiology Commons, Critical Care Commons, Dermatology Commons, Diseases Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Geriatrics Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Hematology Commons, Hepatology Commons, Infectious Disease Commons, Internal Medicine Commons, Medical Education Commons, Nephrology Commons, Neurology Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Oncology Commons, Orthopedics Commons, Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy Commons, Otolaryngology Commons, Pathology Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Primary Care Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Pulmonology Commons, Radiology Commons, Rheumatology Commons, Sports Medicine Commons, Surgery Commons, Urology Commons
Comments
Modica C, Lewis JH, Bay RC. Advancing Virtual at-Home Care for Community Health Center Patients Using Patient Self-Care Tools, Technology, and Education. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:521-531
https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S443973
Published Version
no embargo, Must link to published article, Published source (journal and Dove Medical Press) must be acknowledged as original place of publication