Meharry Medical Treatment Effectiveness Program. Abstract, Executive Summary andFinal Report

摘要

The Medical Treatment Effectiveness Program at Meharry Medical College wasestablished in 1993, to examine the disparity in health outcomes between African Americans and whites. During its three-year tenure as a developmental Center, the Meharry MEDTEP underwent several changes in leadership and personnel, however the focus of the Center has remained the same as at its inception. The Center's research has concentrated on issues surrounding hypertension and sickle cell anemia. In addition, the Center has been active in providing training and technical assistance as well as dissemination of information. The Center's research on hypertension was driven by the higher prevalence among African-Americans and the failure to achieve medication compliance. Results from the pilot have led to a larger study so explore the use of the patient as a navigator into the family and ultimately to the community to improve health conditions. The research also examined the validity of using standardized instruments such as the SF-36 among low-income African groups. Preliminary results indicate that there are some racial differences in perception and satisfaction of care that needs further exploration.