Abstract P363: Design And Implementation Of A Technology-Powered Cross-Sector Collaborative To Improve Hypertension Control

Abstract

Introduction: The National Hypertension Control initiative (NHCI) aims to improve hypertension control among Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native persons through systematic, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based interventions. To accomplish this aim, the American Heart Association (AHA) partnered with a technology platform (Unite Us) to onboard community health centers (CHCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to participate in a national cross-sector network of health and social care providers. This study describes insights from the first year of planning and implementation. Hypothesis: CHCs are interested in and willing to use cross-sector collaboration software to address the social needs of patients with hypertension. Methods: The collaborative launched in December 2021, and partner outreach and engagement efforts began in June 2022. A five-week cohort-based onboarding process was deployed to prepare interested partners to use the software platform as part of the NHCI. Results: Between June 2022 and May 2023, the collaborative contacted 300 organizations. Twenty-three informational sessions were hosted and 21% (n=64) of organizations attended at least 1 session. Sixteen CHCs across 11 states completed the five-week onboarding process and launched use of the platform. With platform access, these CHCs can now refer patients with hypertension to local networks of CBOs (e.g. food support, benefits application assistance, rent assistance). Conclusions: Early insights from the outreach and onboarding of a cross-sector collaboration platform suggest that organizations are interested in leveraging technology to support the needs of patients with hypertension. Outcome focused data collection is ongoing and includes understanding platform reach (e.g. # of patients engaged) and referral outcomes (e.g. % resolved). These findings will be shared at the session.