Medically Underserved Research Articles

Clinical and Demographic Attributes of Patients with Diabetes Associated with the Utilization of Telemedicine in an Urban Medically Underserved Population Area

Marginalized populations often experience health disparities due to the significant obstacles to care associated with social, economic, and environmental inequities. When compared with advantaged social groups, these populations frequently experience increased risks, poorer health outcomes, and reduced quality of life (QoL). This research examines the clinical and demographic characteristics—age, gender, and race—related to patients with varying stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), comparing the utilization of telemedicine (TM) with traditional healthcare face-to-face (F2F) appointments in an urban medically underserved population area (UMUPA). A logistic regression model, was used to analyze retrospective electronic patient health records (EHRs) from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2021 of 265 patients with T2DM who had 3357 healthcare appointments. The overall percentage of healthcare provider appointments using TM was 46.7%, in comparison with 53.3% traditional F2F visits. Compared to patients with prediabetes, those with uncontrolled diabetes were more likely to utilize the TM mode of care rather than the traditional F2F mode (adjusted odds ratio (AoR), 1.33; confidence interval (CI), 1.07 to 1.64) after controlling for the other covariates in the model. Compared to patients in the age group 20–49 years, those in the age groups 50–64 years and ≥65 years had significantly lower odds (AoR, 0.78; CI, 0.65 to 0.94 and AoR, 0.71; CI, 0.58 to 0.88, respectively) of utilization of TM than the traditional F2F mode of care. White patients had significantly higher odds of using telemedicine rather than the traditional F2F mode (AoR, 1.25; CI, 1.07 to 1.47) when compared to the Black patients. Gender differences did not exist in the care utilization mode. As healthcare and public health continue to strive for health equity by eliminating health disparities within marginalized populations, it is essential that the mode of care for patients, such as those with T2DM, must evolve and adapt to the needs and resources of the patients. Multisectoral partners have the opportunity to employ a systems thinking approach to improve the technological elements related to the global health disparities crisis. An essential goal is to to create a user-friendly interface that prioritizes easy navigation, affordability, and accessiblity for populations in medically underserved regions to improve overall population health outcomes.

Large-Scale, Primary Care-Based Hepatitis C Treatment in an Urban, Medically Underserved Patient Population.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a critical public health concern in the United States. HCV is highly curable, but access to care is limited for many patients. Primary care models can expand access to HCV care. The Grady Liver Clinic (GLC) is a primary care-based HCV clinic founded in 2002. During 20 years, using a multidisciplinary team, the GLC expanded its operations in response to advances in HCV screening and treatment. We describe the clinic model, patient population, and treatment outcomes of the clinic from 2015 through 2019. During this period, 2689 patients were seen in the GLC, and 77% (n = 2083) initiated treatment. Eighty-five percent (1779 of 2083) of patients who started treatment completed treatment and were tested for cure, and 1723 (83% of the total treated cohort, 97% of those tested for cure) were cured. Building on a successful primary care-based treatment model, the GLC dynamically responded to the changes in HCV screening and treatment guidelines, continually increasing access to HCV care. The GLC serves as a model of primary care-based HCV care that aims to achieve HCV microelimination in a safety-net health system. Our findings support the notion that for the United States to achieve elimination of HCV by 2030, generalists can and should provide HCV care, particularly in medically underserved patient populations.

The Association of Emergency Medicine Residency Training In Medically Underserved Areas And Current Practice In Medically Underserved Areas

The Association of Emergency Medicine Residency Training In Medically Underserved Areas And Current Practice In Medically Underserved Areas

Using Data Science and a Health Equity Lens to Identify Long-COVID Sequelae Among Medically Underserved Populations.

Understanding how post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS or long COVID) manifests among underserved populations, who experienced a disproportionate burden of acute COVID-19, can help providers and policymakers better address this ongoing crisis. To identify clinical sequelae of long COVID among underserved populations treated in the primary care safety net, we conducted a causal impact analysis with electronic health records (EHR) to compare symptoms among community health center patients who tested positive (n=4,091) and negative (n=7,118) for acute COVID-19. We found 18 sequelae with statistical significance and causal dependence among patients who had a visit after 60 days or more following acute COVID-19. These sequelae encompass most organ systems and include breathing abnormalities, malaise and fatigue, and headache. This study adds to current knowledge about how long COVID manifests in a large, underserved population.

Radical nephrectomy in medically underserved patients: Selection bias and disparity in surgical health care delivery.

609 Background: Disparities in outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exist with respect to survival outcomes between different ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. We sought to evaluate disparities in delivery of surgical care between medically underserved (MU) and non-medically underserved (NMU) patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients presenting with localized renal cortical neoplasms who underwent surgical excision [Radical (RN) or Partial Nephrectomy (PN)] at an academic tertiary-care referral center. The cohort was divided into MU and NMU groups and descriptive analyses were conducted for demographics and clinical disease characteristics, type of surgery, time to surgery, estimated blood loss, and 30-day total and major complications (Clavien-Dindo, ≥3). Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was conducted to evaluate for surgical trends, and logistic regression multivariable analyses (MVA) were conducted for type of surgery and major complications. Results: 1418 patients were analyzed (MU n=334/NMU n=1084). Comparing MU vs. NMU, no differences were noted for age (p=0.612), Charlson Comorbidity Index (p=0.803), tumor size (p=0.236), or time to surgery (p=0.482). Significantly greater proportions of white patients were noted in NMU (60.6% vs. MU=45.5%, p<0.001) and higher proportion of RN in MU (47% vs. NMU=40.4%, p=0.028). Subgroup analyses of PN groups revealed no differences with respect to demographics, tumor size (p=0.33), major complications (p=0.66), or blood loss (p=0.583). Subgroup analysis of RN revealed significantly higher proportion of non-white patients (p=0.019) and patients with diabetes (p=0.019). MVA for predictors for receipt of RN were non-white (OR1.4, p=0.002), MU (OR=1.32, p=0.043), age (OR=1.01, p=0.009) and treatment year (OR=0.913, p<0.001). MVA for predictors for 30 day major complications demonstrated RN (OR=0.913 p<0.001). Cochran-Armitage trend analysis indicated that both MU and NMU had significant increases in PN between 2003 and 2021 (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Despite overall similarities with respect to demographics and clinical disease characteristics and time to surgery, MU status was associated with a significantly higher odds of receiving a RN at a tertiary care referral center, which represents a disparity in care and possible selection bias. Nonetheless, RN was also associated with a decreased risk of complications. While trends have demonstrated an increase in proportion of PN for both NMU and MU groups, comparative underutilization of PN in MU patients may be associated with increased downstream risks to health. Further investigation is requisite.

Drive-Through Mass Vaccination Center Operations in a Rural, Medically Underserved Area Using Military Civilian Partnership During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, mass vaccination centers became an essential element of the public health response. This drive-through mass vaccination operation was conducted in a rural, medically underserved area of the United States, employing a civilian-military partnership. Operations were conducted without traditional electronic medical record systems or Internet at the point of vaccination. Nevertheless, the mass vaccination center (MVC) achieved throughput of 500 vaccinations per hour (7200 vaccinations in 2 days), which is comparable with the performance of other models in more ideal conditions. Here, the study describes the minimum necessary resources and operational practicalities in detail required to implement a successful mass vaccination event. This has significant implications for the generalizability of our model to other rural, underserved, and international settings.

Translating a Functional Exercise Program for Fall Prevention among Diverse Older Adults in Urban, Medically Underserved Areas: A Feasibility Study

Aims The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a fall prevention exercise program, Diverse Older Adults Doing the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program (DO LiFE). DO LiFE was developed for a diverse aging population and to improve low adherence to structured exercise. Methods Older adults with high fall risk and who resided in medically underserved (MU) U.S. zip codes were assigned to DO-LiFE or the control group. Feasibility outcomes of reach, adherence, fidelity, and acceptance were collected. Results DO LiFE established high reach/adherence, could be delivered with fidelity, and had high acceptance. Additional barriers were identified for a revision of DO LiFE before proceeding to a larger study. Conclusion Results of this study show that DO LiFE demonstrates good feasibility and lay the foundation for larger-scale studies. Although some unexpected issues may require a revision of DO-LiFE, this evidence-based program is feasible for in-need, diverse aging populations in real-world settings.

Assessing the Factors That Influence Medical Students' Attitudes Toward Working With Medically Underserved Populations.

The needs of medically-underserved populations (MUPs) are consistently outpacing the number of physicians caring for them. Medical students' motivations toward working with MUPs consistently decline as they progress through medical school. Given the shortage of doctors caring for MUPs, the objective of our study was to further investigate factors that influence medical students' motivation to work with MUPs while they progress through their education. By identifying these elements, we hope to recommend identified factors within medical education that support the development of more physicians who care for MUPs. This cross-sectional study is an assessment of medical students at the University of Texas at Southwestern Medical School (UTSW). The study utilized the Medical Student Attitudes Toward the Underserved (MSATU), a validated survey that assesses medical student motivations toward the provision of medical care to MUPs. Surveys were administered at three time points selected to represent key transition points in medical education. There was no significant difference between MSATU scores among the three time points. MSATU scores were higher among students who identified as female, had higher empathy, had higher value placed on teamwork, and had higher community-centeredness. MSATU scores were also higher among students planning to specialize in primary care compared to students planning to specialize in a non-primary care field (P=.239). This study identifies factors associated with high MSATU scores within UTSW medical education, including female identification, higher empathy score, higher emphasis on teamwork, higher community-centeredness, and plans to practice primary care. Additionally, the results support maintenance of MSATU scores across all three time points. Future research should examine individual-level data to determine whether individual students are maintaining their MSATU scores or if individual fluctuations are neutralized by group changes.

Effects of family history of alcohol problems on alcohol consumption: Stronger for medically underserved men

Family history (FH), informed by genetics and family environment, can be used by practitioners for risk prediction. This study compares the associations of FH with alcohol outcomes for medically underserved (MUS) men and women with the associations for non-underserved individuals to assess the utility of FH as a screening tool for this high-priority group. Data were from 29,993 adult lifetime drinkers in the Wave 1 (2001−2002) and Wave 2 (2004–2005) National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. All variables except FH were measured at Wave 2. Dependent variables were 12-month alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD). FH scores (FH-SCORE) measured the proportion of first- and second-degree biological relatives with alcohol problems. MUS status was defined by household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty line and participants reporting no usual source of health care. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models tested main and interaction effects. Models showed a significant interaction of FH-SCORE with MUS status (p < .01), with a stronger effect of FH on alcohol consumption for the MUS group. This moderating effect was weaker for women than for men (FH-SCORE x MUS x Sex three-way interaction: p < .01). AUD models showed a significant positive association with FH-SCORE (p < .001) but no association with MUS status and no significant interaction effects. In this sample of lifetime drinkers, FH was associated with higher alcohol consumption, especially for MUS men. These results encourage additional validation of FH scores to prioritize MUS adults at high risk for alcohol problems to receive preventive interventions.

Assessment of Chronic Disease Management Strategies Among Health Care Practices in Medically Underserved South Carolina Counties.

Diabetes and heart disease are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and these conditions are especially prevalent in the South. South Carolina's persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities in chronic disease outcomes are well-documented, yet little is known about how health care practices in medically underserved areas are addressing these challenges. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey as part of two complementary 5-year cooperative agreements between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Division of Diabetes and Heart Disease Management (the Division) at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The Division fielded a survey to (a) assist in determining which Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were best poised to implement specific strategies as part of these cooperative agreements and (b) provide data to establish the baseline for performance measures. FQHCs and RHCs in the top 25% of counties with the highest diabetes and heart disease burden were surveyed about eight domains: staffing/services, electronic health records, team-based care policies, lifestyle change programs, medication therapy management, telehealth, quality improvement collaboratives, and patient demographics. Data representing 71 practices revealed contrasts between RHCs and FQHCs and opportunities for improvement. For example, while most practices reported they were not implementing evidence-based lifestyle change programs (e.g., the National Diabetes Prevention Program), most RHCs and FQHCs expressed interest in starting such programs. Findings are being used to guide efforts to improve diabetes and heart disease prevention and management in South Carolina.

Association of Population Screening for Breast Cancer Risk With Use of Mammography Among Women in Medically Underserved Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

Black women bear a disproportionate burden of breast cancer mortality in the US, in part due to inequities in the use of mammography. Population screening for breast cancer risk in primary care is a promising strategy for mitigating breast cancer disparities, but it is unknown whether this strategy would be associated with increased mammography rates in underserved women of racial and ethnic minority groups. To examine whether providing individualized breast cancer risk estimates is associated with an increase in the rate of screening mammography. A cohort study was conducted in women receiving individualized risk estimates as part of routine primary health care at federally qualified health centers in medically underserved communities in Chicago, Illinois. The study was conducted from November 5, 2013, to December 19, 2014, with data acquisition completed on March 5, 2017; data analysis was performed from December 30, 2020, to February 2, 2021. A total of 347 women aged 25 to 69 years without a personal history of breast cancer presenting for an annual visit with their primary care clinician were enrolled. Breast cancer risk estimates were obtained with validated risk assessment tools as a standard component of the clinic check-in process. One of 4 women at average risk and all women at high risk were invited to participate in the study. The primary outcome was the mammography rate during 18 months of usual care compared with the rate during 18 months after implementation of risk assessment. Of the 347 women enrolled, 188 were age-eligible for mammography and were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 50.8 [7.04] years); 70 women (37.2%) were Hispanic, 114 (60.6%) were non-Hispanic African American, and 4 (2.1%) were from other racial and ethnic groups (4 non-Hispanic White women). Ninety-eight women (52.1%) had an average risk of developing breast cancer and 90 (47.9%) were at high risk. Overall, there was a nonsignificant increase in the mammography rate, from 38.8% during usual care to 48.9% following implementation of risk assessment (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.92-2.03). In preplanned subgroup analysis, the mammography rate among women at high risk was significantly higher after vs before risk assessment (51.1% vs 36.6%; odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.10-3.23). In this study, providing individualized breast cancer risk estimates as a component of primary health care in federally qualified health centers was associated with increased use of mammography among women of racial and ethnic minority groups who were at high risk. Implementation of this approach in underserved communities could promote equity in the use of mammography and reduce racial disparities in breast cancer mortality. This strategy warrants further investigation.

Translating a Functional Exercise Program for Fall Prevention Among Diverse Older Adults in Urban Medically Underserved Areas: A Mixed Methods Study.

The Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise Program (LiFE) is proven to have high adherence rates and can significantly reduce falls, but it has not yet been implemented for diverse older adults residing in urban medically underserved (MU) areas. An exploratory sequential mixed methods study was conducted to adapt LiFE and test the adapted program's preliminary feasibility. Focus groups with MU older adults and service providers were conducted to identify modifications. The new adapted program, Diverse Older Adults Doing LiFE (DO LiFE), was then evaluated with older adults. Thematic analysis revealed health literacy and lack of racial representation as barriers to implementing LIFE in this population. The pilot study showed that DO LiFE was feasible with good retention (89%) and high adherence (81.27%) rates. DO LiFE demonstrated preliminary feasibility for diverse MU older adults. Researchers should proceed to larger studies for translating DO LiFE from research to the community.

The Impact of Geriatric Aortic Stenosis Community Education in Medically Underserved Rural and Urban Michigan

The Impact of Geriatric Aortic Stenosis Community Education in Medically Underserved Rural and Urban Michigan

Pharmacist-Provided Diabetes Education and Management in a Diverse, Medically Underserved Population.

Diabetes prevalence continues to rise in the United States, affecting more than 30 million people (9.4% of the population) in 2015 (1). Diabetes is expensive in terms of both direct medical costs and indirect costs of disability, lost work productivity, and premature death. The estimated cost of diabetes in the United States was $245 billion in 2012 (2). Optimizing care by facilitating glycemic control, patient education, preventive health screenings, and adherence to the treatment regimen have been suggested as methods to decrease the cost of this disease (3). There are inequalities in the disease burden of diabetes in the United States. The prevalence, incidence, and complications rates of diabetes are higher in non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations (4,5). Minority, low-income, and uninsured people have a higher risk for omissions of recommended diabetes prevention services (6). Furthermore, people who are non-English–speaking may experience barriers to effective diabetes medication management, including prohibitive costs of medications, hindered communication, knowledge deficits, and difficulties in understanding (7). The American Diabetes Association consistently identifies the promotion of health equity for populations disparately affected by diabetes as an advocacy priority (8). Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, and other health care services to medically underserved populations. These safety-net clinics work to reduce barriers to health and health care in low-income populations disproportionately affected by chronic disease by increasing access to health care providers and medications (9,10). In 2016, FQHCs provided care to more than 26 million patients, more than half of whom had an income below the federal poverty level. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reported in its 2016 health center data report that 32.1% of the more than 2 million patients with diabetes receiving care at FQHCs had …

Improvement of Working Memory is a Mechanism for Reductions in Delay Discounting Among Mid-Age Individuals in an Urban Medically Underserved Area.

Delay discounting, or the tendency to devalue rewards as a function of their delayed receipt, is associated with myriad negative health behaviors. Individuals from medically underserved areas are disproportionately at risk for chronic health problems. The higher rates of delay discounting and consequent adverse outcomes evidenced among low-resource and unstable environments suggest this may be an important pathway to explain health disparities among this population. The current study examined the effectiveness of a computerized working memory training program to decrease rates of delay discounting among residents of a traditionally underserved region. Participants (N = 123) were recruited from a community center serving low income and homeless individuals. Subjects completed measures of delay discounting and working memory and then took part in either an active or control working memory training. Analyses indicated that participants in the active condition demonstrated significant improvement in working memory and that this improvement mediated the relation between treatment condition and reductions in delay discounting. Results suggest that a computerized intervention targeting working memory may be effective in decreasing rates of delay discounting in adults from medically underserved areas (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03501706).

70x2020: A Grassroots Effort to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention in a Rural Medically Underserved State.

This report describes the ongoing efforts of a voluntary statewide grassroots initiative to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in a poor rural state with no established CRC screening programs for the poor and underserved. This report focuses on the tactics to increase stool-based CRC screenings through primary care providers.

Demographic and Practice Characteristics of Physicians Who Care for Medically Underserved People: A National Survey.

Few national studies have examined the influence of role models as a potential predictor for caring for medically underserved (MUS) patients. This study tested associations between previous physician role model exposure and caring for MUS populations, as well as examines the practice environments of these physicians. Between October and December 2011, we mailed a confidential questionnaire to a representative sample of 2000 US physicians from various specialties. The primary criterion variable was "Is your patient population considered medically underserved?" We assessed demographic and other personal characteristics (calling, spirituality, and reporting a familial role model). We also asked about their practice characteristics, including a validated measure that assessed whether their work environment was considered chaotic/hectic or calm. The survey response rate was 64.5% (1289/2000). Female physicians and African American physicians were more likely to report working in MUS settings (multivariate odds ratio [OR] 1.32, confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.76 and OR 2.65, CI 1.28-5.46, respectively). Physicians with high spirituality (OR 1.69, CI 1.02-2.79) and who reported familial role model exposure (OR 1.91, CI 1.11-3.30) also were associated with working with MUS populations. Physicians who worked in academic medical centers (OR 1.93, CI 1.45-2.56) and in chaotic work environments (OR 3.25, CI 1.64-6.44) also were more likely to report working with MUS patients. Familial role models may be influencing physicians to work with MUS patients, but the quality of their current work environments raises concerns about the long-term retention of physicians in MUS settings.

Examining the Durability of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Health Beliefs Among Medically Underserved Patients: Baseline to 12months Post-Intervention.

The current study examines changes in awareness and health beliefs from baseline to 12months post-intervention following receipt of one of two colorectal cancer (CRC) educational interventions that aimed to promote CRC screening among a racially and ethnically diverse and medically underserved population. Participants (N = 270) were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to increase CRC screening and completed both baseline and 12-month follow-up assessments. Participants were aged 50-75, at average CRC risk, not up-to-date with CRC screening guidelines, and receiving care at one of three community-based clinics. Participants were randomized to receive either a targeted, low-literacy intervention informed by the Preventive Health Model [PHM] (photonovella and DVD plus fecal immunochemical test [FIT]) or a non-targeted intervention (standard educational brochure plus FIT). Changes in CRC awareness and health beliefs from baseline to 12months were examined both within and between intervention groups using Student's t tests. Participants in both intervention conditions demonstrated an increase in CRC awareness, PHM social influence, and trust in the healthcare system (all p's < .0001), with no significant between-group differences. Among those receiving the targeted intervention, there also was an increase in PHM salience (p < .05). Among individuals receiving the non-targeted intervention, there was an increase in PHM response efficacy (p < .01) and PHM self-efficacy (p < .0001). Both CRC screening interventions promoted positive changes in awareness and several health beliefs from baseline to 12months, suggesting important benefits of CRC education. Regardless of whether education was targeted or non-targeted, providing CRC screening education successfully promoted durable changes in awareness and health beliefs.

Implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model in Facilities Providing Comprehensive Care to Medically Underserved Populations

During the three-year Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Advanced Primary Care Practice (APCP) Demonstration, 393 FQHCs (78.6% of the original 500 and 90.6% of the 434 continually-enrolled FQHCs) achieved patient-centered medical home (PCMH) recognition. Facilitators included survey fee coverage and technical assistance.

Primary Care Residency Choice and Participation in an Extracurricular Longitudinal Medical School Program to Promote Practice With Medically Underserved Populations

In 2006, the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) launched the Underserved Pathway (UP), an extracurricular longitudinal experience supporting student interest in caring for underserved populations. This study examined the association between UP participation and residency choice. The study population was 663 UWSOM graduates who matched to a residency from 2008 to 2011; 69 were UP participants. Outcomes included matching to primary care residencies (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or medicine-pediatrics). The authors calculated graduate rates and odds of UP participants versus nonparticipants matching to primary care residencies overall and to residencies in individual primary care specialties. This analysis included all graduates and 513 graduates who had dual interest in primary care and underserved care at matriculation. Of 336 graduates matching to primary care, the authors calculated rates of entering the individual specialties with respect to UP participation. UP participants matched at significantly higher rates than nonparticipants to primary care (72.5% versus 48.1%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.2) and family medicine residencies (33.3% versus 15.0%, adjusted OR 2.9). Of graduates with dual matriculation interest in primary care and underserved care, 73.4% of participants versus 53.5% of nonparticipants matched to primary care (adjusted OR 1.9), and 31.2% of participants versus 18.0% of nonparticipants matched to family medicine (adjusted OR 2.1). Of primary care matched graduates, 46.0% of participants versus 31.1% of nonparticipants entered family medicine. Supporting student interest in underserved careers is associated with higher rates of graduates entering primary care residencies, specifically family medicine.