In September 2016, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health SPH) and partners implemented an enhanced version of the Salud y Vida chronic care management program. The enhanced version integrated primary and behavior healthcare with home and community-based wraparound services. Salud y Vida 2.0 (Salud 2.0) aimed to enhance UT Health SPH’s current Chronic Care Model with the addition of evidence-based components that provided a continuum of care for those with diabetes and other chronic diseases.
 
Study Goals:
The evaluation sought to determine whether an enhanced level of primary and behavioral health services offered through an integrated health care delivery network would improve control of chronic diseases, reduce depression, increase access to behavioral healthcare services, and improve adult functioning and quality of life.
 
Research Questions:
The evaluation included a number of impact and implementation questions. Sample research questions include:
  • Impact Questions:
    • Are participants who receive Salud 2.0 more likely to see improvements in the following health measures and behaviors?
      • HbA1c (blood sugar)
      • Blood pressure
      • Body mass index
      • Depressive symptoms
      • Quality of life
      • Cholesterol
      • Medication adherence
      • Self-efficacy
  • Implementation Questions:
    • Did the Salud 2.0 program reach its intended target population?
    • What are the components of Salud 2.0 and how do these components work when implemented at six and 12 months?
    • What level of integrated behavioral health did UT Health SPH achieve as a result of implementing Salud 2.0?
Findings:
The evaluation found the following:
  • When controlling for baseline measures and variables, Salud 2.0 participants did not have a significant improvement in blood sugar (HbA1c) outcomes compared to the control group.
  • Salud 2.0 was implemented in alignment with the program logic model to fidelity after the early implementation period.
  • There were major conditions that helped the implementation of Salud 2.0, including increased communication via promotors, Chronic Care Management meetings, and having a shared physical space (co-location of staff).
  • There were also adoption barriers identified such as data systems, hiring and staffing, and the location of services which limited accessibility for participants.
For more information, download the full report.
 

Full report

Full Report
MHM-UTH_Final_rev_06.07.19-508_covers.pdf
MHM Rr1037 2019.03.15 CNCS Report Brief_UTSPH_rev_04.24.19.pdf

Further information

Program/Intervention
Salud y Vida 2.0
Implementing Organization
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health
Intermediary(s)

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

AmeriCorps Program(s)
Social Innovation Fund
Age(s) Studied
26-55 (Adult)
Study Type(s)
Impact
Implementation
Study Design(s)
Experimental (RCT)
Level of Evidence
Preliminary
Researcher/Evaluator
Health Resources in Action, Inc.
Published Year
2019
Study Site Location (State)
Texas