"Care Coordination Fundamentals" for Healthcare Workers Released by 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, PCDC

NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing the need for improved coordinated care in healthcare delivery systems, the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds and the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) today released the "Care Coordination Fundamentals" course for healthcare workers. The course is designed to help healthcare workers understand and participate in new and advanced models of healthcare delivery. 

Healthcare systems are increasingly seeking to improve care coordination to improve healthcare quality and outcomes and reduce costs. To accomplish this, healthcare staff will need to serve as a bridge between patients and providers. "Care Coordination Fundamentals" can provide health care staff with the advanced skills and training necessary, particularly in patient navigation and care coordination. 

"The new health care environment emphasizes team-based, coordinated care, where every member of the staff will be involved in patient care in some way," said Karla Silverman, MS, RN, CNM, PCDC's Director of Clinical and Training Initiatives, who co-authored the course. "Where in the past silos grew up around different staff roles, today, every member of the team is important and must be accountable to each other to ensure that patients get the best care possible." 

The course covers the issues every healthcare worker who provides works with patients and providers should know, including: chronic disease issues, mental health and wellness concerns, communication skills, health coaching and follow up, coordinating care transitions, electronic medical records and quality improvement. The course can also help healthcare organizations understand what training is needed for front line staff who are taking on more responsibility in the new patient centered, team based model of care. 

"Healthcare delivery systems are rapidly changing to achieve better clinical outcomes while controlling costs. To transition to these new forms of care delivery, care coordination is crucial," said Deborah King, Executive Director of the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds. "We will use this course to ensure more healthcare workers deepen their skills in successfully navigating patients through the modern healthcare environment." 

The course is particularly valuable to providers in states undertaking major healthcare delivery reform efforts. The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds and PCDC have so far used the course to train thousands of staff in hospitals, health centers, nursing homes and other healthcare organizations. 

"This is great training material and information, and a must for all new hires and staff in the health care system," said Sharon Thompson, Customer Service Liaison for CMO Montefiore Care Management, which used the course to train its staff. 

For more information on "Care Coordination Fundamentals" and to download the course materials please visit PCDC or 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds. 

About the Primary Care Development Corporation 
The Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming and expanding primary care in underserved communities to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and disparities.  PCDC provides coaching and training to strengthen care delivery, flexible financing to build and modernize facilities, and advocates for public policy initiatives that support the patient-centered primary care model.

About the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 
The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds provide education and training programs, career counseling and other assistance to healthcare workers across the industry, including the hospital, nursing home and home care sectors. These programs support employees as they learn new skills, meet certification requirements and advance their careers. The Funds partner with employers and the union to implement these innovative programs to improve the quality of care and strengthen the workforce.  

Contact:
Cecilia Dougherty, PCDC, 212-437-3939, Email 
Loretta Kane, 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, 917-410-7242, Email

SOURCE Primary Care Development Corporation