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Rush Primary Care Nursing: Innovations in Caring for Vulnerable Populations

Project Team

Kathryn Swartwout, Project Director

Funding Source

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
T94HP30914

Award Period

7/1/19 - 6/30/23

Abstract

This proposal seeks support for two academic practice partnerships, two additional longitudinal training sites, and traineeship support for a select group of primary care NP students. The academic practice partnership activities will implement processes aimed at preceptor development and shared learning opportunities in line with the HRSA priority of value-based care (VBC). The CON longitudinal training sites will support student learning in value-based care delivery; incorporating telehealth, integrated care and inter-professional team care coordination. Unique aspects of the project are pre-clinical training using case-based simulation, and facilitating graduate employment with underserved populations. 

Specific Measurable Objectives: 1. Enhance and expand academic practice partnerships by continuing a successful academic partnership with a FQHC, Heartland Health Centers, and expanding to a second FQHC, Heartland Alliance Health. 2. Implement shared learning opportunities for preceptors, faculty and NP students by using two- way flow of information to creating on-line learning modules that enhance care for vulnerable populations. 3. Develop innovative (live and simulation) methods to teach VBC concepts that include competency development in integrated care, telehealth and inter-professional care coordination. 4. Provide longitudinal training experiences (LTEs) in underserved populations and traineeship funds to select student and gauge impact of a telehealth program at one of our faculty practice sites, and an inter-professional care management team at another. 5. Using NPI numbers, track NP graduates' employment for one year and gauge their use of the HRSA Health Workforce Connector to seek employment positions with medically underserved populations.

Expected Outcomes:1) The seamless transport of a previously successful resource-pooling academic practice partnership model to an additional Rush CON clinical training site. 2) Improved student outcomes related to competencies and willingness to practice with the underserved. 3) Increased number of Rush NP graduates employed with the underserved.

Clinical Priorities: By pooling resources with academic practice partners, this proposed project addresses the need to increase preceptor support at clinical training sites, create shared learning opportunities, and develop an informed and organized NP curriculum around value-based care delivery models for vulnerable populations. Longitudinal training experiences that include exposure to telehealth, integrated care and inter-professional care coordination in underserved settings are also included in this proposal.