What social determinants of health should the community look at in relation to the risk or incidence of diabetes?

Exercise 2.4

Diabetes affects a growing number of Americans. An APRN working in a local hospital is part of a collaborative of community agencies strategically addressing diabetes from a community perspective.

1. What social determinants of health should the community look at in relation to the risk or incidence of diabetes?

2. What resources could the APRN use to identify different outcomes related to diabetes?

3. What outcomes related to diabetes are of most interest to community members?

4. Using the AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query, what related national and state-level data are available to the APRN?

ANSWER

Addressing Diabetes in the Community: Exploring Social Determinants, Outcomes, and Available Data

Introduction

 Diabetes is a prevalent and growing health concern affecting a significant number of Americans. In order to effectively address this public health issue, a collaborative effort involving various community agencies, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), is crucial. This essay aims to provide insights into the strategic approach to diabetes from a community perspective, focusing on social determinants of health, resources for identifying outcomes, community members’ interests, and the availability of national and state-level data through the AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query.

Social Determinants of Health and Diabetes Risk or Incidence

Understanding the social determinants of health that influence the risk or incidence of diabetes is essential for a comprehensive community-based approach. These determinants can include factors such as:

 Socioeconomic Status (SES): Low income, limited education, and lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to higher diabetes rates. Poverty and financial instability can limit individuals’ ability to afford healthy food, medication, and diabetes management resources.

 Food Environment: The availability and accessibility of nutritious food options play a crucial role. Communities with limited access to fresh produce and healthy food choices are more likely to have higher rates of diabetes. This is particularly relevant in areas designated as food deserts.

 Built Environment: Neighborhood design and infrastructure can impact physical activity levels. Communities with inadequate sidewalks, parks, or recreational facilities may face challenges in engaging in regular physical exercise, leading to a higher risk of diabetes.

Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural practices, beliefs, and social norms influence lifestyle choices and health behaviors. Awareness campaigns that consider cultural preferences and address health disparities can be effective in preventing and managing diabetes.

Health Literacy: Limited health literacy can hinder individuals’ understanding of diabetes prevention, management, and the importance of early intervention. Educational resources and tailored interventions can bridge this gap and improve health outcomes.

Resources for Identifying Diabetes Outcomes

APRNs can utilize various resources to identify different outcomes related to diabetes, enabling a targeted and evidence-based approach. These resources may include:

 Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Access to patient data within healthcare systems allows for tracking clinical outcomes, such as blood glucose control, HbA1c levels, medication adherence, and diabetes-related complications.

 Population Health Databases: Local, state, or national databases provide aggregated data on diabetes prevalence, incidence rates, and associated comorbidities. These databases can inform community-level interventions and resource allocation.

 Surveys and Questionnaires: APRNs can administer surveys or questionnaires to assess patients’ self-reported outcomes, including quality of life, diabetes self-management practices, and barriers to care (Carlton et al., 2017). This information helps identify areas for improvement and tailor interventions accordingly.

 Collaboration with Community Partners: Working with community organizations, public health departments, and social service agencies can provide additional insights into social determinants and patient outcomes. Community-based participatory research can yield valuable information from the perspectives of those affected by diabetes.

Community Members’ Interests in Diabetes Outcomes

Engaging community members in the collaborative effort is crucial to ensure their interests are addressed. The following outcomes related to diabetes are typically of interest to community members:

 Prevention and Early Detection: Community members are interested in reducing the incidence of diabetes through awareness campaigns, screenings, and educational programs focused on lifestyle modifications (Al-Murani et al., 2019).

Access to Care: Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, including diabetes education, affordable medications, and specialized care, is a priority for community members.

 Quality of Life: Improving the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with diabetes is an essential outcome. This can involve efforts to address mental health, social support, and self-management skills.

 Health Equity: Community members are interested in reducing disparities in diabetes outcomes among different populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and those with limited access to resources.

AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query

The APRN can access valuable national and state-level data through the AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query. This comprehensive database provides information on various aspects of diabetes, including:

 Prevalence and Incidence: The database offers data on the prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes at national and state levels. This information helps assess the burden of diabetes in specific regions and target interventions accordingly.

 Disparities in Care: The AHRQ data query provides insights into healthcare disparities related to diabetes, highlighting differences in quality of care, access to services, and health outcomes among various populations. Identifying these disparities allows for targeted interventions to reduce inequities.

 Healthcare Utilization and Costs: The database includes information on healthcare utilization patterns, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and associated costs related to diabetes (McEwen, 2018). This data aids in understanding the economic impact of diabetes and supports resource allocation decisions.

Clinical Performance Measures: The AHRQ’s database provides clinical performance measures that can guide healthcare providers, including APRNs, in delivering evidence-based care and monitoring outcomes effectively.

Conclusion

Addressing diabetes from a community perspective requires a multifaceted approach that considers social determinants of health, identifies relevant outcomes, and engages community members. APRNs play a crucial role in this collaborative effort, utilizing resources such as electronic health records, population health databases, and community partnerships. The availability of national and state-level data through the AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query further enhances the APRN’s ability to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions to improve diabetes prevention, management, and outcomes in the community.

References

Al-Murani, F., Aweko, J., Nordin, I., Delobelle, P., Kasujja, F. X., Östenson, C., Peterson, S., Daivadanam, M., & Alvesson, H. M. (2019). Community and stakeholders’ engagement in the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study in socioeconomically disadvantaged suburbs in region Stockholm. Global Health Action, 12(1), 1609313. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2019.1609313 

Carlton, J., Elliott, J., Rowen, D., Stevens, K., Basarir, H., Meadows, K., & Brazier, J. (2017). Developing a questionnaire to determine the impact of self-management in diabetes: giving people with diabetes a voice. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-017-0719-4 

McEwen, L. N. (2018, August 1). Health Care Utilization and Costs of Diabetes. Diabetes in America – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567979/