ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: Josh H*
Objective: Prediabetes affects 38 percent of adults in the U.S population, which means that 98 million U.S. adults are affected by prediabetes. Patients diagnosed with prediabetes are often referred to the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) through a variety of methods. National DPPs are year-long commitment covered by insurance. However, little is known about referral processes of health systems in California to National DPPs including if single standards of screening exist. Community Health Workers (CHWs) assist in the referral processes, but is unclear how much support they provide which is why a survey is necessary to evaluate referral processes. Methods: Because of this gap, the author developed a comprehensive survey and distributed it on March 25,2022 to seven health systems in California that refer prediabetes patients to National DPPs. Results: The study revealed barriers, which include 1) yearlong commitment, 2) compatible referral system, 3) lack gold standard for screening, 4) implementation of CHWs, and 5) COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Session Zero should become standard in National DPP to answer questions about yearlong commitment, program delivery formats, and early commitment. Promoting personalized policies and procedures, and referral maps can help overcome the lack of compatible referral system. HbA1c is the best screening test and should be gold standard. Further implementation of CHW’s in referral processes can help overcome barriers. As a result of this work, barriers were identified. Key changes can make a pivotal difference in screening and diagnosis in the prevention of the often-forgotten epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Keywords: Prediabetes; National Diabetes Prevention Program; Prediabetes Screening; Health System Referral Processes; Electronic Health Records; HbA1C; Community Health Workers
