Key themes of community-oriented primary care projects from a longitudinal, rural interprofessional health professions curriculum (1997-2023).

Background: The Community Oriented Primary Care Project Model (COPC) has been well studied globally as well as in the United States as a way to provide both community-centered primary care and to engage in community based research. Rural trainees through the University of Illinois College of Medicine's Rural Medical Education Program (RMED) and Rural Pharmacy Education Program (RPHARM) students through the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy have participated in a COPC project as a capstone to a four month longitudinal, immersive community-based experience in a rural primary care setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the type of projects implemented through a rural health professions curriculum over a 30 year project period.

Engaging Rehabilitation Technicians Through a Career Ladder During a Pandemic.

Purpose: Nursing assistant turnover is a growing healthcare concern that negatively impacts healthcare organization work environments and has significant financial implications. The purpose of this study was to implement a career ladder program for rehabilitation nursing technicians-nursing assistants who specialize in performing care duties aligned with therapeutic goals in inpatient rehabilitation. The study evaluated the effect on organizational quality metrics of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and annual turnover of rehabilitation nursing technicians.