HealthTeamWorks partners with University of Montana to Expand Health Professions Training

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently announced the continued funding (more than $149 million in awards) through 12 workforce programs to prepare the next generation of skilled, diverse primary care providers to serve communities in need across the country.

“These awards will help increase access to quality healthcare for all Americans by educating and training culturally competent providers who are prepared to practice in high-need areas,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. “By encouraging partnerships among academic institutions, clinicians, healthcare sites and public health entities, we can improve health outcomes in underserved communities.”

The Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana program was among the organizations chosen to receive funding, and they contracted with HealthTeamWorks^® in 2015 to train a range of care providers, as well as community members and patients, to function effectively as teams. Local teams continued team training and are in the process of completing locally relevant healthcare transformation projects of their choosing. This collaborative project engages multiple training levels (resident, faculty, and practicing primary care physicians) and professions (family medicine, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners).

“We’ve enjoyed working with HealthTeamWorks^® to do this important work in our rural communities,” says Rebecca Morgan, Project and Communications Manager. “The coursework they deliver has been highly engaging and speaks to the issues that are most important in preparing residents to practice successfully within patient-centered and value-based care environments. We’re looking forward to the second phase of our partnership, and can’t wait to see the innovative initiatives that our residents launch as a result of this training.”