Neighborhood Healthcare proudly announces that our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. James Schultz, has been published in the Diabetes Care Journal. Dr. Schultz, a valued medical team member, co-authored the publication “Medical Assistant Health Coaching for Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: Results From a Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.” This achievement reflects his commitment to advancing the quality of care and Neighborhood Healthcare’s dedication to improving health outcomes for our community.
The article highlights an innovative approach to diabetes management that uses medical assistant health coaching to support individuals living with Type 2 diabetes in primary care settings. This pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial evaluated whether health coaching by medical assistants could effectively improve diabetes-related outcomes, particularly for underserved populations who often face barriers to healthcare access and management.
This research is crucial as diabetes continues to be a growing public health concern in the United States, affecting approximately 9% of the population, or 28.7 million individuals. Despite the increasing incidence of diabetes, many patients struggle to meet treatment targets for diabetes management. Additionally, disparities in diabetes prevalence and outcomes persist among individuals with low incomes and from minority racial and ethnic groups, mainly Hispanic populations. Compared to non-Hispanic White adults, Hispanic individuals experience higher rates of diabetes (11.8% versus 7.4%) and often face challenges in diabetes management and health outcomes.
The study’s findings highlight the critical role of personalized, ongoing self-management support in routine diabetes care, particularly for those with complex medical and psychosocial needs. Medical assistants providing structured health coaching offer an effective strategy for bridging gaps in care, fostering better patient engagement, and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities.
Dr. Schultz’s contribution to this publication gained further recognition when featured in the July Diabetes Core Update Podcast, where the study’s implications were discussed for a broader audience of healthcare professionals. This recognition further underscores the potential impact of this research on the future of diabetes management in primary care.
At Neighborhood Healthcare, we take immense pride in our team members’ contributions to advancing medical research and improving patient care. This publication represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve. By exploring and implementing new approaches to managing chronic conditions, we strive toward a future where high-quality, comprehensive healthcare is accessible to all.
We invite you to read the full article and explore the potential of medical assistant health coaching in primary care settings. Please click the links below to access the publication and listen to the podcast.