Effects of Community-Based Health Worker Interventions to Improve Chronic Disease Management and Care Among Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review
Effects of
Community-Based Health Worker Interventions to Improve Chronic Disease
Management and Care
Among Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review
Introduction
Over 75 million patients worldwide
benefit from community-based exercise programs, which are an effective method
for improving function and quality of life in people with chronic conditions
(Desveaux et al., 2014; Ahn et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2016). These programs
assist participants' physical health as well as their general well-being when
it comes to chronic illness. They also offer a nurturing atmosphere that
promotes empowerment and self-control abilities. The optimization of
function and enhancement of health outcomes for patients with chronic
conditions can be achieved through community-based treatments for chronic
disease management. Research by Desveaux et al. (2014), Ahn et al. (2013), and
Kim et al. (2016) underscore the potential of community-based interventions to
improve patient care and save healthcare costs while demonstrating the efficacy
of these interventions in managing chronic diseases. It is therefore essential
to incorporate these interventions within healthcare systems.
Literature Review
Introduction
to Literature Review
Enhancing the care and management of
chronic diseases for marginalized populations is an essential undertaking in
the field of medicine (Kim et al., 2016). It is essential to address this issue
to reduce inequalities in health outcomes and improve these populations'
general well-being. Reducing inequities
in healthcare outcomes and access and promoting health equity requires
addressing the management and care of chronic diseases among vulnerable
populations. The literature review only includes research articles that
highlight the effectiveness of community-based health worker interventions in
improving the management and care of chronic diseases among vulnerable
populations. These articles also highlight the reduction of healthcare
disparities and the improvement of health outcomes. The success of
community-based healthcare worker treatments is influenced by
several factors, which are covered in the literature review. These factors
include education of patients, social support, adherence to treatment regimens,
and access to healthcare services. The Monroe College Library's CINAHL, PubMed,
and PsycINFO databases were used in the literature review to locate pertinent
research publications on community-based healthcare worker interventions
for managing chronic diseases in vulnerable populations. The search terms that
were employed to locate relevant literature included terms like chronic illness
management, populations with vulnerabilities, healthcare inequities, and health
equity.
Review
of Literature
Community-based Fitness Programs for
Chronic Disease Management
Desveaux et al. (2014) conducted a
study between 2000 and 2013, according to the 2014 systematic review to
evaluate the effectiveness of community-based exercise programs in optimizing
function for individuals with chronic conditions. The evaluation included
studies from the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and other nations.
The study was to evaluate how well community-based fitness programs can help
people with chronic conditions maximize their function. Their goal was to
investigate the potential benefits of these programs on the quality of life,
physical function, disease management, and healthcare utilization of
individuals with chronic illnesses. A systematic review methodology was used
which entails finding, assessing, and synthesizing previous research on a
certain subject. The researchers looked at studies that looked into how
community-based fitness programs affected people with chronic illnesses
and were carried out between 2000 and 2013. To ascertain the overall effect of
these programs on different outcomes, they examined the data across these
trials. Researchers discovered that community-based fitness
programs improved the quality of life, physical function, and illness
management of people with chronic illnesses. Furthermore, they proposed that
these initiatives might help to reduce healthcare costs and utilization. They
did, however, also point up limitations in the available data, which could have
an impact on how the results are interpreted. These limitations included
variations in study designs, population demographics, and outcomes analyzed.
All things considered, the study emphasizes the potential advantages of
community-based exercise programs for people with chronic conditions and
emphasizes the necessity of more research in this field
Economic Impact of Community-Based
Chronic Disease Self-Management Interventions
Similarly, a 2013 study by Ahn
et al. (2013) that was published in BMC Public Health a global peer-reviewed
publication, took place in several different places to examine the impact of
community-based interventions for chronic disease self-management on healthcare
savings. Ahn et al. (2013) investigated how healthcare savings were affected by
community-based strategies for chronic illness self-management. Their objective
was to evaluate the programs' potential cost-savings and their suitability
for community-based healthcare interventions. They essentially sought to
comprehend the potential effects on healthcare spending and allocation of
resources in healthcare systems of chronic disease self-management programs.
Ahn and colleagues (2013) utilized a systematic review approach.
To determine possible healthcare savings and evaluate the financial
effects of various chronic illness management options, the researchers looked
at the body of research on the subject. To ascertain the effect of self-management
measures on spending on healthcare, they certainly searched databases for
pertinent studies, chose studies that satisfied inclusion criteria, retrieved
data from those studies, and examined the results. Programs for managing
chronic diseases that have been implemented in community-based environments
have the potential to save money on healthcare, based on Ahn et al. (2013).
They found evidence in their systematic study that suggests these
programs can help healthcare systems financially. This suggests that
funding community-based therapies for chronic illnesses may be financially
beneficial since it may aid in lowering healthcare costs and
maximizing the use of available resources. Ahn et al. (2013) study shed
important light on the possible financial advantages of community-based
therapies for chronic illness self-management. Their results confirm the value
of funding these initiatives as a way to raise healthcare system cost
efficiency and improve patient outcomes
Interventions on Chronic Disease
Management in Vulnerable Populations
Contrasting the previous studies, Kim
et al. (2016) investigated how community-based healthcare interventions
improve the treatment and management of chronic illnesses in disadvantaged
groups by conducting a systematic review that was published in the American
Journal of Public Health in 2016. Kim et al. (2016) set out to look at how care
for and management of chronic diseases among vulnerable groups was affected by
community-based health worker interventions. Their goal was to comprehend how
these treatments impact health outcomes and disparities in health among
underprivileged populations. Kim et al. (2016) utilized a systematic
review approach. The researchers examined several studies that examined
community-based healthcare worker interventions targeted at controlling chronic
illnesses in underprivileged groups. They examined the techniques
utilized in each study for participant recruiting, intervention
implementation plans, and outcome assessments. To determine common themes
and patterns about the effects of various treatments on the management of
chronic diseases and the provision of care to vulnerable populations, the
results of several studies were synthesized. They discovered that interventions
by community-based health workers are essential for lowering health disparities
and enhancing outcomes for communities that are more susceptible to
illness. They shed light on how these treatments might improve the treatment of
chronic illnesses and the provision of healthcare to underserved populations.
The study emphasizes the value of community-based strategies for reducing
health disparities and enhancing underprivileged individuals' access to and
performance in healthcare. To better understand the impact of
community-based healthcare worker interventions on managing chronic illnesses
and care among disadvantaged populations, Kim et al. (2016) carried out a
systematic review. They discovered that such measures are effective in lowering
health inequalities and enhancing marginalized groups' health outcomes
Analysis
of Literature
The focus of the research of Kim et
al. (2016), Ahn et al. (2013), and Desveaux et al. (2014) is on community-based
interventions meant to enhance the management of chronic illnesses and maximize
function. Although they have the same objective, their methods and emphasis on
different facets of managing chronic diseases diverge. Each of the articles
emphasizes the significance of community-based treatments in the
management of chronic illnesses, stressing their capacity to enhance
health outcomes and minimize healthcare expenses. In contrast, Ahn et al.
(2013) concentrated on the possible healthcare savings connected to
self-management programs, and Desveaux et al. (2014) highlighted the importance
of exercise programs in optimizing function. The impact of
community-based healthcare worker interventions is examined by Kim et al.
(2016), with a focus on vulnerable populations. While Ahn et al. (2013) also
used a systematic review methodology to investigate the influence of chronic
illness self-management programs on healthcare savings, Desveaux et al.
(2014) conducted a systematic study to assess the efficacy of community-based
exercise programs. Kim et al. (2016) carried out a systematic review in the
same way, with a particular emphasis on interventions involving community-based
health workers. The results and advantages of community-based fitness
programs in the management of chronic diseases are highlighted by Desveaux
et al. (2014). In the same way, Ahn et al. (2013) investigated the possible healthcare
cost savings linked to self-management initiatives. On the other hand, Kim et
al. (2016) concentrated on how interventions by community-based health workers
affect the ability of vulnerable populations to manage chronic illnesses.
Discussion
Introduction
to Discussion
Healthcare has a serious issue with
vulnerable populations' inadequate management and care of chronic illnesses. It
has been determined that community-based approaches may be able to solve this
issue. Research has demonstrated the negative consequences of insufficient
access to healthcare and support for people with long-term illnesses (Desveaux
et al., 2014; Ahn et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2016). Vulnerable groups, such as minorities,
low-income people, and those with restricted access to healthcare services, are
disproportionately impacted by these restrictions (Kim et al., 2016). The issue
is widespread, with communities around the world encountering difficulties
getting access to high-quality medical care and programs for managing chronic
illnesses (Ahn et al., 2013; Desveaux et al., 2014). Inadequate management and
care of chronic illnesses disproportionately affect vulnerable groups,
including the elderly, those with disabilities, and people from low-income
backgrounds (Kim et al., 2016). Improving health outcomes and lowering
inequities among vulnerable populations require addressing these issues.
Evidence-Based
Recommendations
Recommendations from Literature
Review
Access to Community-based fitness
programs specifically designed for people with chronic illnesses should be put
into place (Desveaux et al., 2014). Positive results on quality of life,
physical function, and illness management have been demonstrated by these
programs. The authors of this paper draw attention to the program's potential
to reduce healthcare costs and utilization. They do, however, also highlight
the need for additional research to address the shortcomings of the current
evidence, such as differences in the study designs and results assessed. The
use of community-based strategies for managing chronic illnesses yourself is
advised by (Ahn et al.,2013). Their research highlights the significance of
efficient resource allocation for healthcare by showing possible savings
in healthcare through these programs. They support the implementation of
these initiatives to lessen the financial strain on healthcare
institutions. Kim et al. (2016) emphasized the value of community-based
healthcare worker intervention in the management of chronic illnesses in more
susceptible populations. To improve health outcomes for
marginalized populations and lessen health inequities, they
emphasize the necessity of community-based programs. The authors advise
creating all-encompassing initiatives that address the unique requirements of
disadvantaged groups in addition to legislative and political frameworks. The
recommendations place a strong emphasis on the value of community-based
strategies for resolving health inequities across different populations,
cutting healthcare costs, and optimizing the management of chronic
diseases.
Program Recommendation
The research provides suggestions for
the future extension and implementation of community-based interventions for
the management of chronic diseases such as "The Health Improvement Network
(THIN)" program in the UK is a model initiative meant to lessen the
difficulties in managing chronic diseases in populations that are more
susceptible to them (Blak et al., 2011). The UK National Health Service (NHS)
and Cegedim Strategic Data Medical Research UK (CSDM UK) collaborated to create
the THIN database, which contains anonymized electronic medical records from
primary care providers throughout the country. According to Blak et al. (2011),
THIN is dedicated to promoting research and evidence-based initiatives to
enhance the quality of treatment and outcomes for people with chronic
illnesses, and those in vulnerable groups. Researchers and medical
practitioners can access extensive patient data through the program, which
makes it possible to identify trends, patterns, and discrepancies in the
treatment and management of chronic illnesses. The capacity of THIN to provide
strong data insights to enable community-based interventions is one particular
area of its efficacy (Blak et al., 2011). Through the examination of THIN data,
scholars and decision-makers can pinpoint regions with elevated rates of
chronic illnesses and discrepancies in healthcare accessibility and usage among
susceptible demographics. Targeted community-based programs and policies that
are designed to meet the unique requirements of these communities can be
developed and implemented with the use of this information. THIN promotes a
multidisciplinary approach to managing and caring for chronic diseases by
facilitating collaboration between researchers, policymakers, healthcare
professionals, and community organizations (Blak et al., 2011).
Using collaborations with nearby healthcare providers and community
organizations, THIN guarantees that interventions are culturally aware, easily
accessed, and efficiently cater to marginalized communities.
The ability of data-driven strategies
and cooperative partnerships to address healthcare disparities is demonstrated
by the effectiveness of THIN in enhancing the management and care of chronic
diseases among vulnerable populations (Blak et al., 2011). Programs like THIN
provide a viable paradigm for reducing the difficulties involved in managing
chronic diseases in underserved populations by utilizing complete patient data
and encouraging cross-sector collaboration.
Reducing gaps in chronic illness
management and care worldwide and promoting collaboration among stakeholders
through the implementation of similar data-driven initiatives can have a
substantial positive impact on health outcomes. Communities can work towards
establishing equitable healthcare access and improved health conditions for all
persons, regardless of their socioeconomic level or demographic traits, by
taking proactive measures guided by data insights and collaborating.
Conclusion
Integrating community-based
treatments into the management of chronic illnesses presents a viable way
to enhance health outcomes for people with long-term illnesses. Desveaux
et al. (2014), Ahn et al. (2013), and Kim et al. (2016) have highlighted the
effectiveness of these treatments in improving patient care and lowering
healthcare expenditures. Participants' physical health and general well-being
are enhanced by these programs, which offer a loving environment that fosters
empowerment and self-control skills. Such interventions assist millions of
patients globally; hence it is critical to include them in healthcare systems
to guarantee thorough and efficient management of chronic illnesses.
References
Ahn, S., Basu, R., Smith, M. L.,
Jiang, L., Lorig, K., Whitelaw, N., & Ory, M. G. (2013). The
impact of chronic disease
self-management programs: healthcare savings through a
community-based intervention. BMC
Public Health, 13(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1141
Blak,
B. T., Thompson, M., Dattani, H., Bourke, A., & General Practice Research
Database (2011). "Generalisability of The Health Improvement Network
(THIN) Database: Demographics, Chronic Disease Prevalence and Mortality Rates".
Informatics in Primary Care, 19(4), 251-255.
Desveaux, L., Beauchamp, M.,
Goldstein, R., & Brooks, D. (2014). Community-based exercise
programs as a strategy to optimize
function in chronic disease: a systematic
review. Medical Care, 216-226.
https://doi.org/10.2307/24465840
Kim, K., Choi, J. S., Choi, E., Nieman, C. L., Joo, J. H.,
Lin, F. R., ... & Han, H. R. (2016).
Effects of community-based health
worker interventions to improve chronic disease
management and care among vulnerable
populations: a systematic review. American
Journal of Public Health, 106(4), e3-e28. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302987
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