We designed the HANDLS study to extend specific benefits to participants. Benefits to participants were a deliberate aspect of the study design to address, at least in part, difficulties among urban residents in finding and receiving regularly scheduled preventive and follow-up medical care, even for chronic medical conditions. This study design provides an opportunity for participants to learn about their health through an extended one-on-one contact with our physician and nurses. Even for participants with health insurance, the time spent with the study provided an important opportunity for health education and discussions of medical compliance with prescribed medical regimens.
