The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74358

Teresa Cochran, PT, DPT, GCS, M, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, (402) 280-5677, tcochran@creighton.edu

This paper describes the development of a geriatric health promotion program based on needs assessment and qualitative study of health beliefs of Omaha Nation elders. The weekly interprofessional program includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, diabetes education, pharmacy, medicine and podiatry. This presentation identifies key components to design and implementation, barriers and successful strategies. Emphasized is the innovation and importance of understanding health beliefs and behaviors of a target population, and understanding that to successfully impact profound health disparities, a comprehensive, interprofessional, sustained approach must be directed toward health promotion.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the need for health care practitioners to understand and integrate health beliefs and concepts into health care provision.
• Appreciate the role of qualitative inquiry to gain insight into health beliefs in order to develop effective programs to modify health behaviors.
• Recognize the key components and successful strategies utilized in developing a interprofessional health promotion program for elders.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.