ACHRU—COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES AND MULTIMORBIDITY

In response to the complex needs of older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and multimorbidity, an interprofessional community-based health promotion program was developed. A pragmatic randomized controlled trial study design was used to conduct the 6-month program comprised of in-home visits, monthly group sessions, and nurse-led coordination of care delivered by Registered Nurses, Dietitians, and fitness leaders from the YMCA or community centre. Compared with the usual care group (n=79), the intervention group (n=80) showed statistically significant and clinically important improvements in the mean SF-12 measured mental health (3.69, p=0.02, 95% CI: 0.60, 6.78), vitality (3.68, p=0.02, 95% CI: 0.57, 6.80) and general health scores (3.56, p=0.02, 95% CI: 0.65, 6.46). These benefits were achieved at no additional cost compared to usual primary care. The results support the effectiveness of the program in improving health related quality of life in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes in community settings.