Clinical Outcomes in a Primary Care Practice Within a Center for Health Equity.
OBJECTIVE
A Center for Health Equity that included a primary care practice was built in a neighborhood affected by long-term disparities related to race and class in order to promote health equity within the population. Changes in blood pressure and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) over 2 years were examined to assess the impact of providing culturally appropriate and patient-centered care.


METHODS
Data from June 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014 were obtained. Patients with high blood pressure or elevated HbA1c levels were treated according to evidence based guidelines. Blood pressure and HbA1c values at the first and last visit were compared using paired t tests.


RESULTS
Of the 390 patients seen with a systolic pressure ≥140 mm Hg, 358 came back for at least 1 visit (92%). By the time of the last visit, 70% had values <140 mm Hg. Mean decreases for systolic and diastolic pressure between the first and last visit were statistically significant (both P < .001). Of the 88 patients seen with HbA1c values ≥7%, 68 came back for at least 1 visit (77%). By the last visit, 31% had values <7%. The change in mean HbA1c levels between the first and last visits was statistically significant (P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Data from this report demonstrate statistically significant improved clinical outcomes among members of this community who sought and received care from physicians within this Center for Health Equity.
Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA.
Edward Demond
ED
Scott
Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA kmg1@neomed.edu.
Karen
K
Gil
Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA.
Billi Copeland
BC
King
Hiram College, Hiram, OH, USA.
Elizabeth
E
Piatt
D001794:Blood Pressure; D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000458:organization & administration; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D000069576:Health Equity / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human
Center for Health Equity; HbA1c levels; hypertension; primary care