With the increasing number of health issues in the United States and Worldwide, there is an ever-growing need for scientific intervention in order to improve the population’s health (CDC, 2012). Evidence based research is being used by many public health officials to implement evidence based approaches towards solving the major health issues that affect so many(CDC, 2012). Community health assessment is one of the first steps in identifying concerns for a community or group and then developing a strategy based on understanding, interpretation and analysis which ultimately leads to evidence based research.
Diabetes is a major health issue in the United States. Many Americans, particularly the elderly, and people of color are at a substantial risk for the development Type 2 Diabetes making this a community health problem (Glasgow, Wagner, Kaplan, Vinico, Smith & Norman, 1999). Diabetes is a major burden to individuals with the disease in general society. There are many measures that can be taken prevent the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes has posed many economic concerns and burdens making it a public health issue. Diabetes causes individuals to have amputations of their limbs, blindness, infections, and renal failure. Recent economic studies have shown that diabetes has cost the nation approximately $98 billion dollars (Glasgow et al., 1999).
Evidence Based Solution
An evidence basesd solution for Diabetes Mellitus is the chronic care model, which requires ongoing, long-term interactions between providers and patients and recognizes illness in addition to disease (Glasgow et al., 1999). Self-management is the key feature of the chronic care model and being able to self manage ones conditions. A patient is the key interpreter, manager, and creator of their own health (Glasgow et al., 1999). Researchers believe that through multiple visits or two way communication to the physician and self management, diabetes is better able to be managed (Glasgow et al., 1999).
Application to Society
The chronic care model approach focuses on differential diagnosis and management of individual patients who present with symptoms, increased blood sugars, distress and complications (Glasgow et al., 1999).This population-based system is to be more proactive towards the disease through prevention instead of allowing the disease to progressing to the many complications that come along with diabetes.
Limitations of this Solution
The healthcare system and insurance may cause limitations to this solution, this solution causes for increase visits to their physician’s office and the need for multiple blood test to be ran. Many individuals with chronic disease often times do not have the proper insurance that will allow them to have multiple visits or utilize specific services for exams. Another limitation is on the physician’s side where there are a lack of test being ran such as eye inspection, foot exams, and just proper education of the disease for self management. Ultimately I believed the chronic care model is a great approach, however due to many limitations in the health care system, we are not able to properly address the needs of individuals with chronic conditions.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Tools for Implementing an Evidence Based Approach in Public Health Practice. Retrieved from
Glasgow, R. E., Wagner, E. H., Kaplan, R. M., Vinicor, F., Smith, L., & Norman, J. (1999). If diabetes is a public health problem, why not treat it as one? A population-based approach to chronic illness. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 21(2), 159-170.
