South Carolina Medical Association Foundation

Initiative to address the management of African American patients with diabetes cared for by physicians in two areas of South Carolina where racial disparities in the incidence of the disease are most pronounced.

Executive Summary: SCMAF sought to enhance the capacity of physician practices to care for African-American diabetic patients by developing physician directed case management services. SCMAF partnered with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to provide case management.  This entailed nurse case managers conducting individual needs assessments at targeted physician offices. The grantee reports that through this grant it learned that racial disparities do exist in the treatment of diabetic patients. The grantee also notes that it found it crucial to educate the office staff as well as the physicians.

Website: https://www.scmedical.org/content/foundation