Implementation, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned From a Collaborative Primary Health Care Program to Improve Diabetes Care Among Urban Latino Populations

Abstract

A collaborative primary health care service demonstration program was conducted to improve diabetes care among limited English-proficient (LEP) Latino patients. The intervention provided a multilevel approach aimed at patients and health care providers: Community health workers (CHWs) were mobilized to offer diabetes education in Spanish to LEP Latino diabetes patients, and health professions students and providers were offered intensive Spanish language training and cultural competency workshops. Positive outcomes for patients included a significant decrease in HbA1c. Health care providers reported improved patient communication and greater appreciation for cultural influences on health. Collaborating institutions realized ongoing benefits from expansion of CHWs' role and incorporation of cultural and language classes into health professions students' and house officers' training programs. Lessons learned included the importance of working together at every stage to identify and provide for the CHWs' training and support needs and to link the program's intervention with evaluation of multilevel outcomes.