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Community-based senior health promotion program using a collaborative practice model: the Escalante Health
Diane E Nuñez1, Charlotte Armbruster, Wayne T Phillips
1Arizona State University, College of Nursing, Tempe 85287, USA. diane.nunez@asu.edu
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|December 21, 2002
Summary
A healthy lifestyle, not genetics, significantly impacts aging well. Community-based programs like Escalante Health Partnerships empower older adults to manage chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Aging is associated with increased disease risk, but poor health is not inevitable.
- Lifestyle factors are more influential than genetics in maintaining health in older adults.
- Effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies are underutilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based, nurse-managed program for older adults.
- To assess the impact of a collaborative practice model on health status and healthcare utilization.
- To determine if the program model is replicable and cost-effective.
Main Methods:
- The Escalante Health Partnerships program utilizes a multidisciplinary, collaborative practice model.
- Program participants are community-residing older adults at high risk for chronic conditions.
- Health status of participants was compared to national norms and a control group.
Main Results:
- Program participants reported better general health, role performance, and social functioning.
- Strongest correlations were found between general health and vitality/role-physical functioning.
- Participants had fewer doctor visits (4.2 vs. 7.1) and hospital days (1.6 vs. 2.1) compared to national norms.
Conclusions:
- A healthy lifestyle is key to mitigating age-related health decline.
- Community-based, nurse-managed programs can effectively improve health outcomes for older adults.
- The Escalante Health Partnerships model offers a replicable and cost-effective approach to chronic disease care for seniors.