Abstract MP09: Partnering With Employers To Provide Worksite-based Health Assessments In Rural Communities

Abstract

Introduction: Office-based healthcare delivery with limited hours of operation can be a deterrent to seeking medical care for many individuals. Innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, particularly health assessment and screenings, could improve patient engagement and ultimately yield better long-term public health outcomes. Hypothesis: Compared to national averages, elevated rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled disease will be found among participants living in a rural area with known high endemic disease through worksite-based health assessments. Methods: Between December 2020 and October 2021, we partnered with 13 business for on-the-jobsite health screening clinics. Participants completed a series of questionnaires and a physical assessment. Disease screenings included diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, cholesterol, sleep apnea, and stroke risk. Results were available immediately following the screening. Physicians conducted one-on-one consultations with participants to discuss their results and advise them, as needed, on treatment and management of their condition. Results: A total of 463 individuals (44.7% white) (54.4% male) were screened. On-site lab results identified 41 (9.0%) participants with an indicator of diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5) that were previously undiagnosed*. An additional 44 (9.6%) participants had been previously diagnosed with diabetes, but testing results indicated their diabetes was not well controlled (HbA1c ≥6.5). Undiagnosed hypertension (SBP ≥140) was found in 114 (24.7%) participants and 93 (20.2%) participants had diagnosed but uncontrolled hypertension. We also identified 33 (15.9%) participants with indicators of chronic kidney disease (urine protein ≥1), 13 (3.9%) participants with high cholesterol (total cholesterol ≥240), 122 (26.3%) participants with moderate increased risk of heart attack or stroke (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ≥2), and 27 (22.0%) with moderate to severe risk of obstructive sleep apnea (STOP-BANG ≥4). Conclusion: Of over 450 individuals screened, nearly a quarter of participants revealed a moderate increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Nearly half of participants had uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension and twenty percent of participants suffered from uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes. Our mobile, on-the-jobsite health screening clinics provide patients with convenient, walk-in service, immediate results, and physician consultation as a bridge to accessing ongoing care. This screening strategy addresses issues of complexity, cost, and privacy and captures individuals who may otherwise underutilize or avoid engagement with the healthcare system. Longer-term follow-up is planned to determine the public health impact of these on-the-jobsite health screenings. *Percentage based off number screened per condition