University of Connecticut
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The Urban Service Track (UST) is a unique collaboration between the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) Schools of Dental Medicine, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work and the Quinnipiac University’s Physician Assistant program. The main goals of UST is to develop a group of health care professionals dedicated to caring for Connecticut’s urban, underserved populations as well as interprofessional teamwork. The program also places a strong emphasis primary care as a career pathway, given that this is the practice area of the greatest need in Connecticut and nationally. Our primary goals can be summed up in 4 words: urban, underserved, interprofessional, and primary care. UST is a two-year “add-on” program that runs currently to the main curriculum within the 6 schools (spread out across 4 campuses and 2 universities) and provides its students with enhanced learning opportunities. Each year, students from the 6 health profession schools who are interested in UST’s core values apply to the program. Selected students are designated as Urban Health Scholars and complete the two-year co-curricular program. Urban Health Scholars work as a team to learn to solve the challenges of health care in urban areas, including developing and implementing health-related community outreach projects, providing direct patient care in free clinics, promoting health literacy and cultural competency, and participating in community-based quality improvement initiatives and research. In addition, UST students participate in conferences focusing on health policy and advocacy activities affecting underserved populations.
impact
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Developed Urban Service Track serving 60-70 students per year across 2 Universities, 4 campuses and 6 health professions. |
Students serve 4,000-5,000 needy residents per year. |
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Students take 4 credits over 4 semesters plus a 4-credit clinical service-learning rotation. |
Developed collaborations with County Health Department and non-profit human service agencies. |
APTR project proposal for 2007/2008 ipe institute
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Given UST’s strong primary care and public health focus, in 2007, the program was selected for the first APTR Institute for Interprofessional Prevention Education Project. UConn’s project was called the University of Connecticut’s Prevention Outreach Project (UCPOP). Its goal was to identify Hartford residents’ prevention needs and work with the city of Hartford’s department of Health and Human Services to identify priority areas and integrate UConn students into community prevention and education programming.
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Sustained post-institute IPE activity or project after the initial year of implementation: Yes, but with major modifications. |
As part of the 2007 National Primary Care Week activities, interprofessional teams of students (85 total) and faculty provided health screenings and education to over 400 community members at 11 sites across Connecticut. They also surveyed these urban area residents about their health needs. The top five priority concerns identified through the community member survey include: environmental health, alcohol abuse, violence prevention, asthma, and dental health. As a result of the data, UST students participated in an education and advocacy program to raise awareness of oral health needs among seniors and the relationship between oral health and overall health. The program was sponsored by the Connecticut Task Force on Oral Health for Older Adults partnered with a number of organizations including AARP, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association, etc. and was held at the State Capitol in March 2008. As an outgrowth of this program, UST students and faculty designed an on-line module to raise oral health awareness and education among health profession students. The on-line module and distribution of kits with oral health products were added to the 2008 National Primary Care Week community service activities. Oral health education and screening has been one of the main components of UST’s many outreach activities ever since. Two programs focusing around living with asthma were also subsequently developed. There are many other community outreach initiatives as the number of overall community outreach sessions and topics has grown exponentially over the years.
current ipe activity/project description
Discussion about the formation of this co-curricular track started in 2005 among the UConn’s schools of dental medicine, medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, followed by 2 years of curricular planning and pilot testing. UST officially enrolled its first cohort of students in the fall semester of 2007. The original 4 schools were joined by the UConn School of Social Work and the Quinnipiac University’s physician assistant program in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Prior to the implementation of UST there was not a formalized interprofessional initiative at UConn that united multiple health profession schools around the care of underserved and urban populations. Connecticut has one of the highest per capita incomes nationally yet its largest urban centers have significant poverty, rates of uncontrolled chronic illnesses, and low educational levels.
UST is housed in the Connecticut Area Health Education Center located within the UConn’s Center for Public Health and Health Policy. Funding for the program is provided by CT AHEC’s federal Point of Service & Maintenance Enhancement grant and support from UConn’s School of Medicine, various grants, and in-kind support from the participating schools.
UST is housed in the Connecticut Area Health Education Center located within the UConn’s Center for Public Health and Health Policy. Funding for the program is provided by CT AHEC’s federal Point of Service & Maintenance Enhancement grant and support from UConn’s School of Medicine, various grants, and in-kind support from the participating schools.
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Structural Dimensions:
The UST curriculum focuses on the following competencies:
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All learning experiences have an interprofessional emphasis. Mastery of the competencies is accomplished via service-learning, clinical care, advocacy, community-based research activities as well as enhanced learning activities at quarterly learning retreats. At each learning retreat, students are introduced to different vulnerable patient populations to enhance their knowledge and understanding of health care challenges and opportunities specific to that population. Populations covered include: children and youth, the elderly, the homeless, immigrants and refugees, HIV positive patients, those with a history of substance abuse, and the incarcerated and exoffenders. The UST curriculum emphasizes a strong connection with community partners such as senior centers, the Hartford Department of Health, and primary care organizations. For example, the curricular competencies were those identified by clinicians working at federally-qualified community health centers as essential for success in their positions, instead of being dictated solely by UST faculty. Urban Health Scholars are mentored by both faculty and community-based practitioners and the learning retreats feature community clinicians, clients, and social service agency representatives.
Community outreach to a wide array of vulnerable populations is a major part of the UST curriculum. The numerous community outreach events are quite varied in topics but generally revolve around the areas of 1) health-related education (e.g., fall prevention, smoking cessation and prevention, immunization awareness, oral health) for all ages; 2) screenings for major chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, obesity); and 3) free clinical care. These outreach activities are provided to underserved populations throughout Connecticut ranging in age from kindergarteners to the elderly. In addition, UST students also engage in health career awareness education targeting students from secondary to post-secondary school, focusing specifically on those from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds. UST’s community outreach efforts meet the overarching goals of Healthy People 2020:
Each year UST’s students and faculty participate in approximately 60+ community outreach events, reaching approximately 4,000 to 5,000 of Connecticut’s neediest residents. Community outreach events are coordinated by UST students, with the guidance of faculty and community preceptors. The program originally started with a handful of outreach events developed by faculty, and through the years UST students have taken the initiative to come up with new ideas to add to the ever-growing roster of community outreach activities. Pharmacy students for example, have come up with a number of new projects in the last several years. These include a fall prevention program for seniors, an asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease education program for families, a smoking cessation and smoking prevention program for all ages, an immunization awareness initiative, a program helping patients locate resources to afford medications, among others.
Community outreach to a wide array of vulnerable populations is a major part of the UST curriculum. The numerous community outreach events are quite varied in topics but generally revolve around the areas of 1) health-related education (e.g., fall prevention, smoking cessation and prevention, immunization awareness, oral health) for all ages; 2) screenings for major chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, obesity); and 3) free clinical care. These outreach activities are provided to underserved populations throughout Connecticut ranging in age from kindergarteners to the elderly. In addition, UST students also engage in health career awareness education targeting students from secondary to post-secondary school, focusing specifically on those from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds. UST’s community outreach efforts meet the overarching goals of Healthy People 2020:
- “Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death
- Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups
- Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all
- Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages”
Each year UST’s students and faculty participate in approximately 60+ community outreach events, reaching approximately 4,000 to 5,000 of Connecticut’s neediest residents. Community outreach events are coordinated by UST students, with the guidance of faculty and community preceptors. The program originally started with a handful of outreach events developed by faculty, and through the years UST students have taken the initiative to come up with new ideas to add to the ever-growing roster of community outreach activities. Pharmacy students for example, have come up with a number of new projects in the last several years. These include a fall prevention program for seniors, an asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease education program for families, a smoking cessation and smoking prevention program for all ages, an immunization awareness initiative, a program helping patients locate resources to afford medications, among others.
Human Dimensions:
One of the keys to the success and growth of UST is its human capital. The CT AHEC Program serves as the engine that houses the infrastructure for the UST program. Collaborative partner schools provide the faculty resources which deliver and support the curriculum. UST student Scholars bring a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to the program as they share a passion for learning how to provide optimal care for vulnerable populations. They eagerly work with community partners to run and implement a variety outreach projects throughout the state. Urban Health Scholars in the second year of UST serve as team leaders and participate in the Student Leadership Cabinet, a sub-curriculum of UST that focuses on leadership and advocacy skill development. Joined by dental, medial, and pharmacy residents and senior Urban Health Scholars, the UST Leadership Cabinet dinner dialogues provide an engaging forum for discussing the barriers, challenges and best practices as community and clinical leaders. A primary care physician organization provides facilities and dinner for the quarterly meetings. UST’s model of utilizing interprofessional teams and leadership for community outreach and advocacy events reinforces the program’s goal of promoting interprofessional education and practice. More advanced Urban Health Scholars, those who have completed the 2-year UST curriculum but are still in their respective school’s programs (e.g., P4, M3) volunteer as coaches for the community outreach events, lending another level of experience to the interprofessional team. Pharmacy, dental, and medical residents as well as alumni from all professions also participate as preceptors and adjunct faculty. All of these individuals are oriented, mentored, and supported by the UST core faculty, UST director, and CT AHEC staff.
One of the keys to the success and growth of UST is its human capital. The CT AHEC Program serves as the engine that houses the infrastructure for the UST program. Collaborative partner schools provide the faculty resources which deliver and support the curriculum. UST student Scholars bring a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to the program as they share a passion for learning how to provide optimal care for vulnerable populations. They eagerly work with community partners to run and implement a variety outreach projects throughout the state. Urban Health Scholars in the second year of UST serve as team leaders and participate in the Student Leadership Cabinet, a sub-curriculum of UST that focuses on leadership and advocacy skill development. Joined by dental, medial, and pharmacy residents and senior Urban Health Scholars, the UST Leadership Cabinet dinner dialogues provide an engaging forum for discussing the barriers, challenges and best practices as community and clinical leaders. A primary care physician organization provides facilities and dinner for the quarterly meetings. UST’s model of utilizing interprofessional teams and leadership for community outreach and advocacy events reinforces the program’s goal of promoting interprofessional education and practice. More advanced Urban Health Scholars, those who have completed the 2-year UST curriculum but are still in their respective school’s programs (e.g., P4, M3) volunteer as coaches for the community outreach events, lending another level of experience to the interprofessional team. Pharmacy, dental, and medical residents as well as alumni from all professions also participate as preceptors and adjunct faculty. All of these individuals are oriented, mentored, and supported by the UST core faculty, UST director, and CT AHEC staff.
Political Dimensions:
Each of the participating schools has one or more faculty who serves as the mentor for that school’s Urban Health Scholars and on the UST’s Steering Committee. The UST Director (who is also the Associate Director for CT AHEC) provides overall program management, aided by the core faculty of the participating schools. In 2013, in response to an ever increasing awareness and appreciation of the importance of IPE, the deans of the health profession programs at UConn supported the establishment of the university’s Committee on Interprofessional Excellence in Healthcare (cIPEh). This committee includes faculty and student representatives from 14 health profession programs, several of whom are part of UST and are instrumental in the development and implementation of new IPE initiatives at UConn.
Each of the participating schools has one or more faculty who serves as the mentor for that school’s Urban Health Scholars and on the UST’s Steering Committee. The UST Director (who is also the Associate Director for CT AHEC) provides overall program management, aided by the core faculty of the participating schools. In 2013, in response to an ever increasing awareness and appreciation of the importance of IPE, the deans of the health profession programs at UConn supported the establishment of the university’s Committee on Interprofessional Excellence in Healthcare (cIPEh). This committee includes faculty and student representatives from 14 health profession programs, several of whom are part of UST and are instrumental in the development and implementation of new IPE initiatives at UConn.
Symbolic Dimensions:
Since its inception in 2005, UST faculty and director have presented on the program to key stakeholders locally, including faculty and administration at each of the participating school and local community partners and conferences such as the CT Public Health Association. UST faculty, director, and Scholars have also presented on the program at a number of national conferences including the National Academies of Practice Annual Meeting and Forum, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, American Dental Education Association Annual Meeting, APTR Teaching Prevention conference, the National AHEC Organization, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, and the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine. In 2011, UST was also highlighted in the Interprofessional Education Collaborative’s (IPEC) Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice.
Since its inception in 2005, UST faculty and director have presented on the program to key stakeholders locally, including faculty and administration at each of the participating school and local community partners and conferences such as the CT Public Health Association. UST faculty, director, and Scholars have also presented on the program at a number of national conferences including the National Academies of Practice Annual Meeting and Forum, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, American Dental Education Association Annual Meeting, APTR Teaching Prevention conference, the National AHEC Organization, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, and the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine. In 2011, UST was also highlighted in the Interprofessional Education Collaborative’s (IPEC) Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice.
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IPE OFFERINGS INCLUDE:
ACADEMIC LEVELS TARGETED:
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PROFESSIONS/DISCIPLINES/SCHOOLS INVOLVED:
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FORMAL AFFILIATION AGREEMENTS WITH SCHOOLS MENTIONED ABOVE:
- No formal affiliation agreements were needed because the original discussion and support was with the deans and associate deans of the participating schools
- Five of the schools are part of the University of Connecticut
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
- Number of Students Enrolled in IPE Course during the Most Recent Academic Year: Varies from year-to-year but approximately 25-30 pharmacy students per year
- Is this a Shared/Cross-Listed Course? No
- Title of Course(s): PHRX 4054 Urban Service Track (didactic course) and PHRX Urban Service Track 5195 (experiential rotation course). Both are School of Pharmacy’s courses.
- Number of Credits Offered: 1 credit per semester x 4 semesters for PHRX 4054; 4 credit rotation per month for PHRX 5195
The Urban Service Track course was developed for pharmacy Urban Health Scholars so that they have a dedicated time to develop a full understanding of the role of pharmacists in caring for underserved populations, in primary care settings, and as members and leaders of interprofessional teams. Pharmacy Urban Health Scholars complete additional
requirements in addition to the main UST curriculum and the main PharmD curriculum. This includes the pharmacy UST course, UST rotation, and development of one or more community outreach projects. The major goals of the pharmacy-specific components of the UST curriculum are for pharmacy students to:
requirements in addition to the main UST curriculum and the main PharmD curriculum. This includes the pharmacy UST course, UST rotation, and development of one or more community outreach projects. The major goals of the pharmacy-specific components of the UST curriculum are for pharmacy students to:
- Understand the roles and contributions of pharmacists in primary care and with underserved patients
- Develop skills in drug therapy management and direct patient care as they apply to real-world practicalities when caring for underserved patients
- Develop effective communication and teamwork skills that enable effective collaboration with members of other health care professions
- Elective course for Social Work Urban Health Scholars who wish to receive credit for participation in UST: Independent Study (course number IS5394-001); 1-3 credits
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PLACEMENT SITES FOR ANY SERVICE-LEARNING COMPONENTS:
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EVALUATION METHODS USED FOR THE SUBGRANT PROJECT:
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lessons/results/outcomes
Lessons Learned:
The reasons for the success and sustainability of the program are 1) support from the administration of each of the school; 2) CT AHEC coordination and financial support of UST infrastructure components 3) committed faculty from each of the schools – these faculty members make up the core faculty of the program; 4) strong connections with community based organizations and preceptors; and 5) enthusiasm and commitment from students admitted into the program, including alumni. UST graduates report a strong connection to the program and many have come back and volunteer to serve as preceptors for community outreach events and faculty facilitators for learning retreats.
Evaluation Results:
A survey of the May 2016 UST graduates (85% response rate) revealed that 76% are planning for a career in primary care and 67% are planning to work in an urban setting. All of the respondents agreed that the UST curriculum enhanced their knowledge of the challenges of medically underserved patient populations and 93% reported that the program enhanced their knowledge of interprofessional collaborative practice. Additionally 97% stated that through UST, they gained team leadership skills that directly apply to clinical practice. Feedback from qualitative surveys and reflection papers of graduates and current Urban Health Scholars are consistently positive year after year, with many Scholars commenting that this is the most unique experience that they have had during their professional curriculum and the significant impact it has had on their skills and career choice.
The reasons for the success and sustainability of the program are 1) support from the administration of each of the school; 2) CT AHEC coordination and financial support of UST infrastructure components 3) committed faculty from each of the schools – these faculty members make up the core faculty of the program; 4) strong connections with community based organizations and preceptors; and 5) enthusiasm and commitment from students admitted into the program, including alumni. UST graduates report a strong connection to the program and many have come back and volunteer to serve as preceptors for community outreach events and faculty facilitators for learning retreats.
Evaluation Results:
A survey of the May 2016 UST graduates (85% response rate) revealed that 76% are planning for a career in primary care and 67% are planning to work in an urban setting. All of the respondents agreed that the UST curriculum enhanced their knowledge of the challenges of medically underserved patient populations and 93% reported that the program enhanced their knowledge of interprofessional collaborative practice. Additionally 97% stated that through UST, they gained team leadership skills that directly apply to clinical practice. Feedback from qualitative surveys and reflection papers of graduates and current Urban Health Scholars are consistently positive year after year, with many Scholars commenting that this is the most unique experience that they have had during their professional curriculum and the significant impact it has had on their skills and career choice.
