RCMI Research Project #3 – Sara Al-Dahir
Project title: Using a Telehealth and Shared Decision-Making Model to Address Preventative Medicine Strategies Among Communities in Louisiana
PI: Sara Al-Dahir
Project Summary:
The objective of this proposal is to assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist led telehealth preventative medicine intervention model, embedded in a general health and wellness model, in communities at high risk for noncommunicable diseases and decreased healthcare access. The central hypothesis is that, based upon our preliminary data from ongoing research, individuals in industries such as beauty, food, transportation, hospitality, nursing/medical aids and plant workers are less likely to engage in preventative strategies for general health and wellness based upon employment type. An established pharmacist led telehealth model that delivers a preventative medicine education and counselling in a larger health and wellness setting will increase preventative health strategies using a shared decision-making model. The central hypothesis will be tested by 1) assessing preventative medicine knowledge and behaviors via an intake form among eligible participants, 2) implementing an individualized randomized group treatment trial approach where participants will be randomized to the control (telehealth wellness) vs the intervention (telehealth with wellness and preventative medicine) over two years. The primary outcome will assess barriers to preventative medicine based on employment type.
The secondary outcome is to measure the impact of a pharmacist led intervention on preventative medicine knowledge and behaviors on chronic preventable diseases. The proposed research is significant because it will determine the effectiveness of pharmacists, who are considered among the most accessible healthcare professionals, and telehealth on increasing preventative health strategies. The results will have a positive impact in communities and will serve to inform other healthcare professionals on how to incorporate preventative medicine counselling using shared-decision making and preventative healthcare strategies in current telehealth visits. This project will lay the groundwork for a tested preventative medicine model to be incorporated in telehealth models that can be delivered to high-risk individuals with decreased access to care. It will also impact the role of pharmacists as the intervention model will be offered through Xavier’s continuing education efforts.