Diabetes is an enormous problem in Alabama, but a UAB School of Nursing-managed post-discharge diabetes clinic is making the difference for hundreds of uninsured patients.
UAB Hospitalís emergency department sees a large number of people each year who do not have control of their disease. Once discharged, they are told to follow up with their primary care provider, but many do not have one.
The PATH Clinic in M-POWER Ministries fills that role. The clinic is supported through the Nurse Education Practice Quality Retention (NEPQR) program, and by the School, M-Power and UAB Health System. A significant number of uninsured have received care from the clinicís group of providers, including nurse practitioner faculty, physicians, an optometrist, a dietitian and a nurse care manager, and students from those disciplines.
"Even with resource limitations the clinic runs seamlessly, efficiently, and we are able to fulfill each individual's needs. The amount of relief and joy is evident on our patients' faces when they learn we can and will help them.” said Michele Talley, MSN, ACNP-BC, nurse practitioner at the M-Power diabetes clinic.
Cynthia Selleck, PhD, RN, FNP, Associate Dean for Clinical and Global Partnerships, said preliminary data from the clinic indicate that access to comprehensive care is yielding positive results.
ìThe data show success in improving the health of this population,î said Selleck. ìAnd the level of interprofessional collaboration at the M-POWER clinic is outstanding, modeling team-based care.î
