People and Programs On The Move at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

 

To ensure quality health care and to improve health outcomes for older adults across medical disciplines, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson held its annual leadership, teaching and quality improvement training called the Interprofessional Chief Resident Immersion Training Program (IP-CRIT).  

 

This year, the 4^th Annual IP-CRIT held June 8-9, hosted 38 chief residents from 15 specialties who received training in the care of older adults and instruction in leadership, teaching and quality improvement. 

 

Mindy Fain, MD, UA College of Medicine – Tucson, division chief said, “With our rapidly aging population, all physicians need to acquire the special knowledge and skills to provide the best of care for older adults who are often hospitalized with complex conditions that require all healthcare providers to work together seamlessly for the best outcomes.” Dr. Fain co-hosted the conference with Jane Mohler, PhD, MPH, NP. 

 

The IP-CRIT program is targeted to incoming UA College of Medicine – Tucson chief residents because of the key role they play in ensuring safe, high quality patient care, training of medical students and residents, and communicating with patients and families. 

 

The program provides the chief residents with the structure and support to transform their key ideas into meaningful change to promote quality and safety for patients. They participate in quality improvement project planning in partnership with the University of Arizona Health Network quality improvement staff and Arizona Center on Aging faculty, focusing on the following areas: delirium prevention and management, improving transitions of care, pain management and palliative care, and improving communication and professionalism.

 

Equally important, the program included time for socializing and bonding with UA College of Medicine – Tucson faculty and family members.  In addition to the 38 chief residents, attendees included three program directors, 22 interprofessional faculty and staff, as well as five Reynolds Scholars in Aging specialty faculty.

 

The chief residents included general surgeons, anesthesiologists, urologists, psychiatrists, obstetricians-gynecologists, orthopaedists, emergency medicine physicians, neurologists, family physicians, internists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons and pediatricians.

 

The interprofessional staff included physical therapy, social work, pharmacy, nursing, educational specialists, discharge planners, and quality improvement experts, who all shared their expertise and built collaborative relationships with the chief residents.

 

Conrad Clemens, MD, MPH, associate dean for graduate medical education and associate professor of pediatrics, Andy Theodorou, MD, professor and chief of the Section of Pediatric Critical Care and associate head of the UA Department of Pediatrics and chief medical officer and Vicki Began, chief nursing officer, at the University of Arizona Medical Center - University Campus, each emphasized the importance of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s “Triple Aim.” The “Triple Aim” effort inspires chief residents to take on the responsibility of “improving health, improving health care, and decreasing the cost of health care.

 

The chief residents, faculty and their families forged valuable connections during interactive case-based table discussions making connections that translate into close collaborations and optimal problem solving when caring for complex patients.

 

The training provided an opportunity for experts in multiple specialties and disciplines to come together and brainstorm on how to improve care for patients and families at the University of Arizona Medical Center.

 

The positive attitudes gained toward caring for older adults, and the excitement for interprofessional collaboration and bonding demonstrates the success of this innovative program. “The Chiefs are raving about the conference and said it was awesome,” said Family and Community Medicine Residency coordinator, Rhea Merriman. 

 

Media Contact: Rebecca Ruiz-McGill