Recent research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia found a community health worker model currently implemented at the health system can be adapted for outpatient settings as well.
Under the Individualized Management for Patient-Centered Targets, or IMPaCT model, community health workers help patients facing multiple chronic conditions navigate the healthcare system and carry out daily activities. The CHWs help provide social support to address issues that affect health, such as hunger, homelessness, transportation barriers and more.
"IMPaCT has been successfully used for several years throughout the Penn health system," said lead author Shreya Kangovi, MD. "We've seen several positive results, including reduced readmission rates and better health outcomes. We wanted to introduce new patients who had not yet been hospitalized to the model, so our study is helping us adapt it to the outpatient setting."
Based on findings from the study, the researchers identified the following three themes to help them successfully adapt the original IMPaCT model for the outpatient setting:
1. Use design mapping to create a low-literacy decision aid for patients trying to select a chronic condition on which to focus.
2. Place extra emphasis on motivating health behavior changes by creating tailored social support as in the original approach for patients.
3. Revise interventions to include measures that support patients navigating their care, such as a weekly clinic-based support group.
To learn more about the study, click here.
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