Submission ID 117448
| Issue/Objective | Patient Advisory Boards (PABs) are an innovative strategy to improve adherence and reduce loss to follow-up by actively involving patients in healthcare decision-making. PABs provide a platform for patients to share their perspectives, identify barriers to care, and offer solutions. This study assesses the effectiveness of PABs in enhancing adherence and retention among individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in Maryland County, Liberia, over three years. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A PAB was established in May 2021 as part of the PEN-Plus strategy to improve care for T1D patients. A total of 54 T1D patients were enrolled, with monthly feedback sessions, group discussions, and peer support meetings held to address concerns such as stigma and isolation. Community Health Workers (CHWs) conducted monthly visits, and PAB members participated in radio programs to raise awareness. Clinical data from May 2021 to May 2024 were reviewed to assess adherence, loss to follow-up, and PAB-led activities. |
| Results | Of the 54 enrolled T1D patients, 4 were lost to follow-up, yielding a retention rate of 92%. Adherence to scheduled appointments was 98% among retained patients. Additionally, 2 patients died during the study period and were excluded from retention analysis. All 40 planned feedback sessions, group discussions, and community visits were conducted. PAB implementation significantly improved patient engagement, contributing to reduced stigma and the initiation of a community garden project. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | PABs are an effective tool for improving engagement, adherence, and retention in T1D care. They empower patients to take active roles in their care and enhance community awareness. Further research is needed to explore the broader application of PABs in managing chronic diseases. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Joe P. Davies Partners in Health, Liberia. Gedeon Ngoga Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Ssentamu John Vanglist Partners in Health, Liberia. Sterman Toussaint Partners in Health, Liberia. Sarah Anyango Partners in Health, Liberia. Joshua F. Bartue Maryland County Health Team, Ministry of Health (MOH) Alphonso Jallah Partners in Health, Liberia. Howe Wodoblita Partners in Health, Liberia. Theophilus T. Allison Partners in Health, Liberia. Tomarleen J Collins Partners in Health, Liberia. Celina. Trujillo Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Gina Ferari Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Anthony Tucker The Noncommunicable Diseases Program, MOH Maxo Luma Partners in Health, Liberia. |
