We will describe a 40-hour Geriatric Resource Course (GRC) for interprofessional learners from healthcare and community provider settings implemented as part of a HRSA-funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). This program is designed to promote interprofessional collaborative practice in geriatrics. It originally combined online didactics, in-person lectures and experiential trainings at sites spanning healthy aging through end of life. With COVID, in-person site visits were changed to weekly virtual meetings spanning the same topics. Learners also attend virtual interprofessional team meetings for community-dwelling older adults to model interprofessional practice, two ECHO presentations, a team simulation event, and a Dementia Friends training. All GRC learners were surveyed to evaluate the GRC, including qualitative evaluations of each component of the program, as well as the value of the program to their professional practice. 26 learners completed evaluations Spring 2021. Professions included medicine, nursing, nurse practitioner, social work, nursing home support staff, music therapy, and patients/families/caregivers. Practice settings included ACO, Hospice, Emergency Department, nursing homes, hospitals, primary care, and Area Agencies on Aging. Overall, the online didactics were rated an average of 4.59 on a 5-point Likert scale, with no respondents rating modules poor or fair. The lectures were rated an average of 4.53, with all but 1 rated good to excellent. The average score for “the GRC will help me provide care over the continuum” was 4.57. The average for ECHOs was 4.25, for the interprofessional team was 4.05, for the simulation was 4.2, and for Dementia Friends was 4.43. All learners indicated they would refer others to the GRC. By conducting this interprofessional training virtually it is easier to accommodate larger groups of interprofessional learners. This education improves team-based care across the continuum which is known to improve outcomes in the older adult population and the wellbeing of the healthcare team.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
