Community Health Centers Diabetic Retinopathy Project

July 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Hispanic and African American Patients At Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious issue in Hispanic and African American communities, two populations who are especially susceptible to the condition. Prevent Blindness Tri-State has contracted DAO Management Consulting Services to help raise awareness of and expand care on the preventable issue.  

New York City, New York – July 9, 2012 – DAO Management Consulting Services CEO Helen Dao is currently managing the implementation of Prevent Blindness Tri-State’s New York City Diabetic Retinopathy Project.  Catering to two community health centers in the Bronx, the project seeks to address barriers in quality care and improve treatment/prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Home to high concentrations of Hispanic and African American citizens, the Bronx community is particularly vulnerable to diabetic retinopathy.

Commenting on the significance of cultural competence in care, Dao explains, “in order to provide culturally effective diabetes educational programs, we must understand the diverse health literacy barriers that the Hispanic and African Americans are faced with.”  

Identifying the obstacles facing healthcare providers and patients, the project seeks to improve diabetic retinopathy treatment in the Hispanic and African American community.  In particular, the project addresses organizational and cultural obstructions present during eye examinations, screenings and referral methods, data collection methods, and baseline knowledge of staff concerning patient needs and diabetic retinopathy.

Dao stresses, “the New York City Diabetic Retinopathy Project does not merely evaluate the clinical barriers to care, but also cultural and financial barriers patients and health care providers may have.”  As the project demonstrates, cultural awareness is closely linked to successful healthcare.

About DAO Management Consulting Services:

Founded in 2007 and based in Jersey City, New Jersey, DAO Management Consulting Services is a leader health care and cultural competence.  DAO helps healthcare leaders improve the quality of care and create lasting programs in the community through innovative strategies.  For more information, please contact Helen Dao at (201) 448-2046 or Helen@daoconsultingservices.com.