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The Committee will continue to investigate
best practices and new models for interdisciplinary
education/training and health services
as they relate to improving quality of
life in communities across America. Emphasis
will be placed on those areas that target
rural and underserved communities/populations,
including the elderly. Information will
be gathered and synthesized from expert
testimony and discussions of thought leaders
representing various health professions,
HRSA programs, industry, and the community
at large. Reports and recommendations
will be provided to the Secretary and
Congress for consideration and action.
In the September 2006 conference call,
the Committee identified possible topics
for future meetings.
- Public Health and the role of Title
VII Interdisciplinary, Community-Based
Training Grant Programs in the Nation’s
public health system.
- Documenting outcomes: identifying
effective models to demonstrate program
effectiveness and the achievement of
identified outcomes. A recent report
by the Advisory Committee on
Training in Primary Care Medicine and
Dentistry addresses evaluating the impact
of Title VII Interdisciplinary,
Community-Based Training Grant Programs.
- The role of professional organizations
and accrediting bodies in the development
of standards that must be met by Title
VII Interdisciplinary, Community-Based
Training Grant Programs.
- The unique service delivery systems
of rural health clinics. Many rural
health clinics cannot provide interdisciplinary
care because of the lack of specialized
providers in the area and insufficient
funding.
- Disaster Preparedness (as an aspect
of public health). Many Title VII Interdisciplinary,
Community-Based Training Grant Program
grantees are preparing providers to
respond to disasters such as hurricanes,
earthquakes, and pandemic flu.
- A September 2006 Institute of Medicine
(IOM) Report on Reimbursement calls
for Medicare reimbursement to be based
on the quality of care rather than the
number of procedures performed or patients
seen. The report mentions the importance
of “teams” in the provision of care.
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