Rationale
The U.S government spends close to $500 billion annually on programs that address the challenge of coronary heart diseases (CDC, 2010). In 2002, approximately 70 million Americans had different forms of coronary heart diseases (Kwong, Chung & Wang, 2008). Heart diseases are characterized by a growing disparity amongst different ethnic communities. One of the ethnic groups significantly affected by this epidemic is African American adults.
In addition, previous studies have indicated that African Americans are subject to significant disparities in the control of fundamental causes of coronary heart diseases (Kwong, Chung & Wang, 2008). This paper endeavors to provide an intervention plan to address the epidemic of coronary heart diseases in African Americans.
Objectives
The objectives of this intervention plan include
- Establishment of tailored prevention schemes amongst individuals with the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.
- Focus on community education programs.
- Establishment of free screening centers.
- Ensuring that individuals with confirmed cases of coronary heart diseases commence their treatment regimes early.
- Enhancing the access to coronary heart diseases’ medications.
- Enhancing the cohesiveness between healthcare providers and patients.
Methods
The lack of patients and community involvement in the development of prevention strategies hinders the fight against coronary heart diseases in African Americans (Sheridan, Shadle, Simpson & Pignone, 2006). In a pilot randomized study conducted by Sheridan et al (2006), patients who were informed about their coronary heart disease risk factors, were found to seek decision aid from their healthcare providers.
On the contrary, individuals who lacked information about coronary heart disease risk factors portrayed poor health management strategies. On top of that, the study revealed that patients, who had a clue about their coronary heart disease risk factors, discussed their health status freely with their healthcare providers (Sheridan, Shadle, Simpson & Pignone, 2006).
However, those with limited information with regard to their coronary heart disease risk factors were reluctant to discuss their health status with their healthcare providers. In addition, informed patients were found to follow their medication regimes promptly. The study also indicated that inaccessibility to screening centers hampers early detection of coronary heart diseases (Sheridan, Shadle, Simpson & Pignone, 2006). Thus, most individuals realize that they have a coronary heart disease upon the onset of symptoms.
Therefore, this intervention plan aims at ensuring that individuals take charge of their health status. The intervention plan will ensure that Individuals will be equipped with proactive skills. First, the plan will explain why African Americans are at a risk of developing coronary heart diseases.
Second, the plan will ensure that the target community is aware of coronary heart diseases risk factors. Third, the plan will establish multiple screening centers in different locations. Fourth, extensive campaigns will be launched to encourage individuals to utilize the established screening centers even in the absence of clinical symptoms for coronary heart diseases.
Fifth, medications will be made available within the screening centers. Patients with detectable coronary heart diseases will be encouraged to start taking their medications. Lastly, the intervention plan will enhance cohesiveness between healthcare providers and patients.
Evaluation Plan
Data from the screening centers will be analyzed after every three months in order to evaluate the performance of the action plan. Most importantly, the analyses will evaluate records of new patients, returning patients and how patients take their medications. In addition, the number of mortalities related to coronary heart diseases in African Americans will be analyzed after every four months.
Conclusion
Heart diseases are characterized by a growing disparity amongst different ethnic communities. One of the ethnic groups significantly affected by this epidemic is African American adults. This paper has indicated the need to involve patients and the community in the development of coronary heart diseases prevention programs.
References
CDC (2010). A Closer Look at African American Men and High Blood Pressure Control. Web.
Kwong, K., Chung, W., Wang, S. (2006). Addressing cardiovascular health disparities of Chinese immigrants in New York City: A case study of the Chinese-American healthy heart coalition. A New Global Approach to Health Disperities, 1, 237-251.
Sheridan, S., Shadle, J., Simpson, R., Pignone, M. (2006). The impact of a decision aid about heart disease prevention on patients’ discussions with their doctor and their plans for prevention: a pilot randomized trial. BMC Health Resources Research, 6, 121-122.