Optimizing Health Literacy and Disease Management Through 3D Kidney Model: Innovative Patient Education Approaches for Underserved Patients Impacted by Social Determinants of Health

High blood pressure has a different rate effect on many minoritized individuals. African Americans, as a result of high blood pressure, are six times more likely to go through kidney failure compared to white counterparts. Hispanic communities are also disproportionately affected by high blood pressure and, unfortunately, generally have lower knowledge about the effects on the kidneys as well. Unfortunately, many minoritized and underserved communities are affected by the weight of the social determinants of health, i.e., housing, education, food, health care, etc., that contribute to large disparities in health outcomes. These factors lead to poor care management, less ability to manage care effectively, and disengagement from care. Health education is vital to recognizing and communicating with minoritized patients with hypertension-induced chronic renal disease. As the patient's knowledge of the condition grows, this can significantly influence the trust between clinicians and patients. Effective and patient-centered education can inspire patients to be proactive in their prevention strategies with clinicians. This study's overall goal is to assess the utility of a novel patient education tool (3D-printed healthy kidney and diseased kidney models) in optimizing patient education for underserved populations who have hypertension with a potential lead to hypertension-induced chronic renal disease.