162 Building a Pandemic-Responsive, Community-Engaged Research Program to Advance Health Equity for Persons with Diabetes

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 have converged to form a syndemic. Our team sought to identify and respond to the evolving needs of patients and communities affected by diabetes amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to engage community partners and student leaders in the advancement of health equity research and practice in the state of Iowa. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A team of faculty, staff, students, and community partners was assembled to facilitate, design, and implement mixed methods research related to diabetes care in collaboration with more than five sites in Eastern and Western Iowa during the pandemic, with a focus on potentially preventable complications such as diabetes-related foot ulcers and amputations in adult patients. Attention was directed towards the experiences of rural residents, persons working in frontline occupations during the pandemic, persons from minoritized racial or ethnic groups, and persons who speak Spanish. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A semi-structured interview study about diabetes care revealed themes in the experiences of persons with diabetes during the pandemic. A pilot study of an educational tool called the Foot Book among patients and providers demonstrated the potential for use of this tool in health care and community settings to reduce gaps in diabetes foot care. All study materials and activities were offered in English and Spanish. Study results were combined with input from community partners to develop ongoing interventions to improve care in Iowa communities. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Amid the syndemic of COVID-19 and diabetes, urgent action is needed to mitigate health inequities and prevent further acceleration of these inequities. Our team developed a community-engaged, patient-centered, and student-led research program that can respond to the needs of patients and communities in the pandemic era.