Original Research

Impact of a Community Health Worker–Led Diabetes Education Program on Hospital and Emergency Department Utilization and Costs


 

References

Conclusion

From the health care system perspective, CHW-led diabetes education programs like the DEP may provide additional benefits than can be gained from access to primary care alone in terms of avoidance of costly hospitalizations for diabetes-related complications. Although the costs of the DEP were greater than the savings it generated through reduced inpatient utilization and costs in the short term, additional savings to the health care system or society may be generated in the long term through reductions of diabetes-related complications in patients who were able to achieve improved glycemic control through program participation. More importantly, the improvements in glycemic control achieved by DEP patients can lead to both short and long term gains in overall health and quality of life.

Corresponding author: Ashley Collinsworth, ScD, MPH, Scott & White Health, Center for Clinical Effectiveness, Dallas, TX 75206, Ashley.Collinsworth@baylorhealth.edu.

Funding/support: This program/initiative was supported by a grant from the Merck Company Foundation through its Merck Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes program.

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