Community Health Program for High Blood Pressure and Diabetes
(CHANGE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to find better ways to encourage people to visit healthcare providers and get screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes. It focuses on residents of certain housing developments in Boston. The MA-CEAL Community Health Ambassador Program will have Community Health Ambassadors lead workshops and offer support to connect residents with healthcare and other resources. Residents of participating Boston housing developments who speak English or Spanish might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to community health improvements and access valuable resources.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this program is safe for community health improvement?
Research has shown that community health programs, such as the Community Health Ambassador (CHA) Program, are generally well-received. These programs aim to improve access to healthcare and provide education. They do not involve new drugs or medical procedures, often resulting in fewer safety concerns.
Previous programs, like the Healthy Heart Ambassador Program, have demonstrated positive outcomes. Participants received helpful support and resources, with no major reports of harm or negative effects. This suggests that the CHA Program should be safe for participants.
For those considering participation, it is reassuring that similar programs have been safe and beneficial in other communities.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the MA-CEAL Community Health Ambassador Program because it takes a community-based approach to managing high blood pressure and diabetes, which is different from typical treatments like medications or lifestyle changes prescribed in a clinical setting. This program involves training community health ambassadors to connect with patients in their own communities, offering education and support tailored to their specific needs. By focusing on local involvement and personalized guidance, the program aims to improve health outcomes more effectively than standard methods that often rely solely on individual healthcare provider visits.
What evidence suggests that the MA-CEAL Community Health Ambassador Program is effective for increasing primary care visits and screenings for hypertension and diabetes?
Research has shown that community health ambassador programs can improve health outcomes for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. This trial will evaluate the MA-CEAL Community Health Ambassador Program. Community health centers randomized into the "Intervention (Phase A)" arm will receive study interventions in the first 18 months, while those in the "Control (Phase B)" arm will be wait-listed and receive interventions during the last 12 months. For instance, in Texas, the Healthy Heart Ambassador Program helped individuals manage their blood pressure by encouraging self-monitoring. In Florida, Project HIGH focused on diabetes and heart disease, demonstrating that health ambassadors can effectively support people in managing these conditions. These programs aim to connect individuals with regular health check-ups and provide resources to address social factors affecting health. This approach has successfully helped people take control of their health by increasing access to necessary medical care and support services.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Benjamin Linas, MD MPH
Principal Investigator
Boston Medical Center, Infectious Disease
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for residents of certain housing developments in Boston who may benefit from increased primary care visits and management of conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It's not specified who can't join, but typically those not living in the selected areas or without these health concerns wouldn't be included.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention (Phase A)
Community health centers receive study interventions, including workshops on Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension, and mentorship by Community Health Ambassadors
Control (Phase B)
Community health centers are waitlisted and do not receive interventions initially; they receive interventions in the last 12 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for primary care visits and screenings for diabetes and hypertension
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MA-CEAL Community Health Ambassador Program
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator
Massachusetts Community Engaged Alliance (MA-CEAL)
Collaborator