Lessons Learned from Online Chronic Disease Self-Management Program during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic disease self-management education has been shown to be effective in improving self-efficacy and health outcomes. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a fast and effective program adaptation and delivery was imperative for Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic from in-person to on-line to continue serving its patients and communities. Methods A retrospective self-administer questionnaire was developed for participants that attended the real time online program at high levels. Questionnaire was administered via SurveyMonkey. A total of 217 completed the questionnaire. Workshops were offered in English and Spanish to patients with any chronic condition(s). A1c data was captured using Epic. Results The peer-led and real time content-delivered online program demonstrated access capacity, preference for online workshops, and improved self-efficacy and outcomes among participants. Discussion Community health centers may benefit themselves and low-income communities by making real-time online content for chronic disease self-management programs available and deliverable to their patients.