Lupus Navigator Program: Pilot

Background: SLE disproportionally affects individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups with more than 95% of patients reporting social determinants of health (SDOH) challenges Methods: We developed a Lupus Navigator Program in an outpatient clinic with 3 phases: 1. Referral: patients identified by the treating physician as having high SDOH challenges based on medical history, compliance, social setting 2. Screening: SDOH survey by volunteer college students 3. Intervention: Medical team implemented an patient-tailored plan Results: Patients were mainly young black women The top 3 SDOH: visit copays, help with adherence and transportation. The primary SDOH were: transportation, visit copays, and health system navigation. The table summarise the different interventions Conclusion: This pilot Lupus Navigator Program demonstrated high SODH challenges among individuals with SLE/LN. the next step is to administer this program by a dedicated SLE social worker Funding: Commercial Support - Aurinia SODH surveys - Demographics (N=28) Age (years) 33 (19-56) Gender Female 24 Ethnicity BlackHispanic 252 Disease Status LNLN Acute flare 2414 SODH Reported The Primary Need Visit Copay 15 4 Compliance 15 1 Medication Copay 12 1 Transportation 13 4 Support group 10 1 Medical Supplies 10 0 Health system Navigation 8 4 Housing 7 2 Social Services 7 0 Disease Education 7 1 Mental health 7 0 Food Insecurity 3 1 Interventions Direct financial help 20 Referral to social services 19 Medical supplies 12 Referral for SLE education or support group 10