Workforce issues in geriatrics in Rural America

Authors

Judith L. Howe, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
B Josea Kramer, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-22-2019

Abstract

Purpose

To describe recent approaches by federal agencies to expand the rural healthcare workforce through training in geriatrics and gerontology.

Method

Publicly available information on federally funded training and continuing education programs was identified and these programs and initiatives described.

Results

Traditional training programs that expose learners to rural environments continue to be supported while new models of training and workforce development have emerged.

Conclusion

Federal agencies have a lead role in supporting interprofessional training, adapting new technologies in curricula and facilitating academic, private, and public investments in the workforce. Veterans Health Administration has also undertaken a systematic evaluation strategy across various models with the goal of promoting broad dissemination and implementation. These training and continuing education models have reported successes and continue to be evaluated as innovations that may be broadly adopted to address the healthcare needs of older rural-dwelling populations.

Recommended Citation

Howe, J.L., Kramer, B.J. Workforce Issues in Geriatrics in Rural America. Curr Geri Rep 8, 49–54 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-019-0271-7