For years, the Yuma Clinic has been a leader in participating in primary care and public health research projects in rural Colorado. Its partnership with the High Plains Research Network (HPRN) helps include primary care practices and patients that live in rural communities in the health research done around the country.
They are currently working with the HPRN to study a diabetes educational program for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Patients are needed to participate.
“We are excited about this project,” said Teri Mekelburg, an RN at the Yuma Clinic. “Diabetes is a priority health issue for many of our patients. The project offers great information and resources and is specifically for rural primary care.”
“Too often, health research is done at large urban health centers. This really limits who can participate in research and what is learned, which isn’t good,” said HPRN Director and study lead, Tamara Oser, M.D.
Over the years, the Yuma Clinic has participated in projects on colon cancer prevention, asthma management, and cancer survivorship care. Before COVID-19 struck, Yuma Clinic patients participated in a national study that will help determine if a new tool can help detect symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care. Results will be known next year and could completely change how people in rural communities access care for COPD diagnosis.
Information and resources to help manage diabetes on a daily basis (self-management tools) can be hard to find. The clinic’s current project with the HPRN will help determine if a virtual half-day diabetes education program with materials created specifically for eastern Colorado helps patients manage their diabetes more or less effectively than more traditional, existing educational materials.
The HPRN Community Advisory Council, which includes people from Yuma and northeast Colorado, partnered with the research team to tailor aspects of the project and materials for eastern Colorado. The project, called the Rural Diabetes One Day study, is currently looking for patients with diabetes to participate. Patients receive free materials and are paid.
Feedback from participants will help identify ways to improve the diabetes program.
“We hope patients will contact us to get more information,” said Carmen Veliz, MA. “This is really a great opportunity for people from our area to help themselves and others live a healthy life with diabetes.”
For information, contact Teri or Carmen at the Yuma Clinic 970-848-4711 or 970-848-4706.
