203829 Reaching out to health providers in medically underserved communities: Public health programs in geriatric education

Monday, November 9, 2009

Diane C. Martins, PhD, RN , College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Phillip G. Clark, ScD , Rhode Island Geriatric Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
JoAnn Evans, MA , Rhode Island Geriatric Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Norma J. Owens, PharmD, BCPS, FC , College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Anne L. Hume, PharmD, FCCP, BC , College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Patricia Burbank, DNS, RN , College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Thomas Sheeran, PhD, ME , Department of Psychiatry- Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY
Background/ Issues:

Medically underserved communities (MUC) have a shortage of health providers and services. Limitations in resources create barriers to ongoing educational opportunities for nursing and medical staff. To address this issue, The Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center (RIGEC) developed educational modules that could be brought to the health centers at no cost.

Description:

In 2007, the RIGEC conducted a statewide needs assessment about geriatric educational topics. The respondents indicated the greatest need, was medication issues and mental health. Based on that, RIGEC developed pilot modules in “lunchtime” blocks with lunch provided since time was a factor. Continuing education units were available for nurses, physicians, and social workers. The programming selected included Medication Assessment in Older Adults and Identifying and Treating Depression. In the past year, the RIGEC has been able to provide lunchtime programming to health professions staff working in MUC's, including community health centers in urban and rural locations, Indian Health Services and prison health services.

Lessons Learned:

The health providers appreciated the educational opportunity provided with the on site programming and the ability to engage in dialogue about health issues with interdisciplinary colleagues. We need to offer topics that are applicable to the general adult population served by MUC sites, rather than topics that focus solely on the health issues related to older adults.

Recommendations:

Ongoing programs need to address outcome data on whether the modules have resulted in positive changes in practice as well as topics that are focused to work within the time limitations.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe a model for providing outreach and education for health providers in medically underserved communities. 2. Discuss lunchtime education program modules strengths and weaknesses with health providers in medically underserved communities.

Keywords: Underserved Populations, Health Workers Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the faculty leader for the Medically Underserved Communities Group at the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rhode Island. I have worked as a public health nurse with medically underserved communities for over 30 years and have written several publication on underserved populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Innovative Academic-Practice Partnerships
See more of: Public Health Nursing