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2019 IPE Geriatrics Fellows: Heather Johnson, DNP, RN, Roxanne Dsouza, RDS, MS, Jessica Robinson, PharmD, Beth Rosenberg, MD, EdD
2019 IPE Geriatrics Fellows: Heather Johnson, DNP, RN, Roxanne Dsouza, RDS, MS, Jessica Robinson, PharmD, Beth Rosenberg, MD, EdD

The 4th cohort of Interprofessional Geriatrics Fellows reported the results of their year-long qualitative study of what makes a health care provider’s office geriatrics friendly.  The team this year consisted of a cardiologist, a nurse practitioner, a pharmacist and a dental hygienist.  They conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with patients and clinic staff along with site visits to delineate the features of an office that is accommodating to the needs of older adults.  These include forming strong therapeutic alliances and respecting possible low health literacy, planning care around the patient’s goals, using data and input from other professions in making care recommendations, and supporting caregivers as health care navigators and advocates.  The team also identified comfort and safety barriers including ramps that are too steep and parking anxieties. The IPE fellows will be preparing their findings for publication and will share actionable items with clinics throughout the area.