APhA Foundation, Tabula Rasa kick off Spanish-language diabetes prevention program
The American Pharmacists Association Foundation announced the nationwide availability of a Spanish-language program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Prevention, created through its partnership with Tabula Rasa HealthCare and its SinfoniaRx, solution.
The National DPP is an evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to deliver evidence-based diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs to the people who need it the most”, said Benjamin Bluml, senior vice president, research and innovation of the APhA Foundation. “We are excited about delivering an innovative model of diabetes prevention care, accessible across the United States in both English and Spanish, that we believe will help people lead healthier lives.”
In 2017, the APhA Foundation entered into a cooperative agreement with the CDC to expand access to the National DPP to thousands of at-risk adults in underserved communities in the United States through Project IMPACT: Diabetes Prevention.
Through Project IMPACT: Diabetes Prevention, the APhA Foundation has built the infrastructure that allows the National DPP to be offered using an innovative service delivery model. This model allows providers to use a combination of face-to-face, distance learning, and online solutions to tailor the program to meet the individual needs of the participants.
“Through TRHC’s collaboration with APhA Foundation, we are using innovative solutions such as on-demand digital recordings with a certified lifestyle coach, as well as a virtual group session with their coach to reinforce and apply the concepts learned,” said TRHC chairman and CEO Calvin Knowlton. “Our unique delivery model improves access for both English and Spanish speaking participants by eliminating barriers to participation, including scheduling and transportation issues. This telehealth model will help us reach priority populations as identified by the CDC.”
Each session, delivered by a native Spanish-speaking trained lifestyle coach, is designed to support participants as they navigate the yearlong lifestyle change program. Lifestyle coaches use real-world examples of challenges participants may encounter and offer solutions to overcome them.
“TRHC is thrilled to join forces with the APhA Foundation as we work collectively to expand access to the National DPP,” said TRHC executive vice president for SinfoniaRx and APhA president-elect Sandra Leal. “A purposeful goal of this partnership is to address the unique needs and preferences of underserved populations to prevent Type 2 diabetes. We intend for Project IMPACT: Diabetes Prevention to increase access designed to produce substantial and positive impact on patient engagement and outcomes.”