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Does embedding a program with specialty trained registered dietitians improve patient access to medical nutrition therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Award Number: ASTWH220120
ORGANIZATION: OFFICE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH
OPDIV: DHHS/OS
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: DEMONSTRATION
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/29/2026

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Does embedding a program with specialty trained registered dietitians improve patient access to medical nutrition therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders of women across the world. Rotterdam criteria defines PCOS diagnosis by having at least two of the three following symptoms: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. These symptoms are often but not exclusively accompanied by comorbidities characterized by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia and obesity. These symptoms increase risk of complications during pregnancy and chronic diseases later in life such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and endometrial cancers. Currently there is limited data regarding the etiology of PCOS, which is why it is one of the most poorly understood disorders amongst patients and physicians [1]. Presently, the first line of treatment is lifestyle intervention and weight loss. Weight loss of 5-15% has been shown to improve insulin resistance, decrease androgens and improve fertility [3]. Furthermore, research has shown women with the most successful outcomes of PCOS treatment have met with a multidisciplinary team including a dietitian and health psychologist [11]. Dietitians are often overlooked in the treatment of PCOS due to barriers such as patient lack of insurance coverage, lack of dietitians with PCOS specific knowledge, and lack of physician referrals. Current data approximates 15% of patients living with PCOS have met with a dietitian [11]. This project aims to bridge this gap in care and increase access to nutrition therapy for PCOS amongst women of varying demographics across the Greater Houston area. The proposed project would entail surveying current dietetic staff's knowledge and perceptions in medical nutrition management for PCOS. Once the surveys are completed, staff will participate in a specialized PCOS training course. Following education, the dietetic staff will be distributed an additional survey to assess knowledge. Once staff is fully trained, the program and services will be advertised to current UT Physician OBGYN providers located around the Greater Houston area with a succinct 2-3-minute video. Part of this advertisement will also include a brief pre and post survey assessing provider likelihood to refer their patients with PCOS to an RD. Lastly, referred patients to the program will be surveyed both before and after the initial meeting with a specialized RD to assess patient experience. We hypothesize that utilizing a specialized trained staff and improving provider visibility will increase patient access to quality nutrition care for PCOS.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2024	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	01	3	9/17/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$0
2025	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	01	3	9/17/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $266,863 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	00	3	9/23/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$266,863
2024	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	00	3	9/23/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2024	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	01	2	12/5/2023	ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLEMENT ( + OR - ) (DISCRETIONARY OR BLOCK AWARDS)	$0
														Subtotal = $266,863

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $266,863 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	00	2	9/21/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$266,863
2023	2022	University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The	7000 Fannin St	Houston	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	01	1	1/9/2023	ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLEMENT ( + OR - ) (DISCRETIONARY OR BLOCK AWARDS)	$0
														Subtotal = $266,863

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $266,863 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 Fannin St	Houston	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Advancing System Improvements for Key Issues in Women's Health	00	1	9/12/2022	NEW	$266,863
														Subtotal = $266,863

Grand Total All Awards = $800,589

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Does embedding a program with specialty trained registered dietitians improve patient access to medical nutrition therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Award Number: ASTWH220120

ORGANIZATION: OFFICE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH

OPDIV: DHHS/OS

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: DEMONSTRATION

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/29/2026

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