Using a Telehealth and Shared Decision-Making Model to Address Preventative Medicine Strategies Among Communities in Louisiana

The objective is to assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led telehealth preventative medicine intervention model, embedded in a general health and wellness model, in communities at high risk for noncommunicable diseases and decreased healthcare access. The central hypothesis is that individuals in industries such as beauty, food, transportation, hospitality, nursing/medical aids, and plant workers are less likely to engage in preventative strategies. The project will test this hypothesis by 1) assessing preventative medicine knowledge and behaviors via an intake form among eligible participants, and 2) implementing an individualized randomized group treatment trial where participants are randomized to a control (telehealth wellness) vs. intervention (telehealth with wellness and preventative medicine) group over two years. The primary outcome will assess barriers to preventative medicine based on employment type, and the secondary outcome will measure the impact of the pharmacist-led intervention on preventative medicine knowledge and behaviors related to chronic preventable diseases. The research aims to determine the effectiveness of pharmacists and telehealth in increasing preventative health strategies and to inform other healthcare professionals on incorporating preventative medicine counseling using shared decision-making in telehealth visits. It will lay groundwork for a tested preventative medicine model for high-risk individuals with decreased access to care and impact the role of pharmacists through Xavier’s continuing education efforts.