141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

277799
Investing in the future health care workforce

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Kathryn Santoro, B.A., M.A. , National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation, Washington, DC
Claire M. Rudolph, MPH, CHES , Maternal and Child Health Research Division, National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation, Washington, DC
Background: Changing population demographics in the U.S. coupled with a shift in the quantity, type and geographic locations of providers making up the health care workforce have contributed to rising disparities in access to health care providers for many Americans including women and children. As of December 2012, 56.8 million people lived in health professional shortage areas and, if care delivery systems don't change, this number is projected to increase. Methods: The National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation (NIHCM) conducted a review of recent literature on the projected future of the health care workforce. We then gathered 7 health plan foundations and a national expert to discuss the implications of these trends for women and children and the role of health plan foundations in mitigating these developments. Several foundations also shared their current work in bolstering the health care workforce in their respective market areas. Results: Health plan foundations are involved in supporting a variety of programs designed to sustain and strengthen the maternal and child health workforce. Presenters will share examples of the most unique and innovative programs and best practices from across the country. Conclusions: While the nation faces looming health care workforce shortages, this is also a time of great opportunity given the many public and private sector initiatives to transform our health care delivery and payment systems. Health plan foundations will continue to be stable partners in securing a sufficient and productive workforce to meet the health care needs of women, children and adolescents.

Learning Areas:
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines

Learning Objectives:
List 3 health plan foundation programs that are investing in sustaining the maternal and child health care workforce in their community.Explain why health plan foundations are important partners in strengthening the health care infrastructure of their communities.

Keywords: Workforce, Foundations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Claire Speedling supports NIHCM’s cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau. After completing her Master’s degree in public health, Claire worked at the New York State Department of Health helping to streamline the state’s Medicaid waivers. At NIHCM she has assisted in the development of a webinar and has co-authored an issue brief on the future of the health care workforce.
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.