Improving maternal health in an fqhc - a federally qualified health center with a network of 30 clinics in LOS angeles and orange counties, altamed health services seeks to test a new clinical…

Improving maternal health in an fqhc - a federally qualified health center with a network of 30 clinics in LOS angeles and orange counties, altamed health services seeks to test a new clinical diagnostic approach and empowerment intervention for low-income female patients - primarily latina - between the ages of 15 and 44 years old that will narrow the window of time from symptom presentation to diagnosis and treatment for uterine fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome. The plan sets the stage for a paradigm shift in in women's health management by adapting the chronic care model for diabetes and colorectal health. Facilitated by customized changes in the electronic medical record, this project will mobilize the entire doctor-patient-family triad. Recognizing that family practitioners, obstetricians, and gynecologists' latitude in applying clinical guidelines has privileged immediate symptom reduction over diagnoses, the project director will train providers in new guideposts. Another feature of this system will be follow-up by a centralized team of bilingual and bicultural english/spanish professionals ("registry team") who will support patients consistently and patiently. To activate patients and their support systems, altamed will introduce - via mobile messaging and in hard copy - original fotonovelas, booklets with graphics and gripping storylines that are tailored to appeal to the distinct audiences of patients, family members, and friends. A group of community representatives living in altamed's home base of southeast LOS angeles and associated with altamed's institute for health equity, will guide content development, as will local experts in latinx civically engaged health promotion. As a direct result of these efforts, altamed anticipates several quantitative and qualitative changes, from more knowledge and better listening skills among providers to higher engagement and trust in the process among patients and increased knowledge/social support from family and friends. Over the project period, altamed's project will increase community awareness of the symptoms of fibroids and pcos resulting in reduced time to symptom reporting and diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.