Today, the National Center and Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) released the first chapter in a five-part podcast series based on the PCPCC publication “Progress and Promise: Profiles in Interprofessional Health Training to Deliver Patient-Centered Primary Care,” which explored advanced primary care practices in exemplary interprofessional education teaching programs.

Each Thursday from March 26 – April 23, a new podcast in the PCPCC series will be released on the National Center and PCPCC websites. Following a Q&A format, each chapter provides a deep-dive into three of the seven programs highlighted in “Progress and Promise” by sharing the program's experiences, opportunities and challenges in building and maintaining an interprofessional program.

Included in the series:

Chapter 1:  Listen as Dr. Barbara Brandt and Dr. Marci Nielsen discuss unique aspects of seven interprofessional teaching programs providing collaborative, coordinated care in patient-centered medical homes. From understanding the “Nexus” and patient-centered medical homes to student participation, the lively discussion introduces practices that make an extraordinary commitment to teaching the next generation of health professionals while also implementing new models of care that partner  with patients– and the local community – a crucial part of the team. LISTEN TO CHAPTER 1.

Chapter 2:  Dr. Bill Warning chats with Dr. Daubney Harper about New Mexico State University’s collaborative training program in integrated primary care behavioral health on the U.S. - Mexico border.  Dr. Harper discusses the role of social workers and psychologists on the care team and explains how the program prepares students to be sensitive to cultural and community issues to address social determinants of health. LISTEN TO CHAPTER 2.

Chapter 3:  Dr. Warning and Mark Britton, PharmD, discuss the unique approach the University of Oklahoma is using to integrate pharmacists into primary care. Learn how relationship building among different professions is helping to meet the demands of a diverse population and improve outcomes among patients with diabetes (release date:  April 9).

Chapter 4:  Dr. Warning and Dr. Rebecca Shunk review the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence in Primary Care Education/Education in Patient-Aligned Care Teams (PACT) program.  Listen as Dr. Shunk discusses team dynamics, using technology with a diverse patient base and outcomes that lead to long-term support for the program (release date:  April 16).

Chapter 5:  Dr. Brandt and Dr. Nielsen close out the series with reflections on successful strategies used by each of the profiled programs, overcoming challenges in team building and funding and how to use resources available at the National Center and PCPCC to start an interprofessional training program (release date:  April 23).

Sharing real-world examples

The PCPCC podcast series marks the debut of “Stories from the Nexus,” a National Center-supported storytelling series that spotlights diverse examples of the Nexus in action.

With the goal of demystifying interprofessional approaches to care and education through dynamic and engaging content, “Stories from the Nexus” connects the voices of individuals and organizations working to change the way people learn about and experience health care. Each “episode” will focus on a specific aspect of interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP), whether emerging information, case studies or community highlights.

As an anthology series, “Stories from the Nexus” offers flexibility in how each story is told. Contributors can determine whether a blog, video, podcast or image is the best way to educate others and inspire action.