The Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) approved on Aug. 4 recommendations to Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) addressing training, education, and workforce issues in primary care and oral health care.
During the Aug. 4 meeting, panelists from stakeholder organizations discussed the state of primary care and dental training across several health professions in rural and underserved areas. Panelists also discussed the existing Health Resources and Services Administration programs that support innovation in primary care and dental education and training.
ACTPCMD unanimously approved the following five draft recommendations for inclusion in its 17th report to Congress and the HHS:
- Incorporate community-based resources and partnerships into community-based primary care education and training for students, trainees, faculty, and practitioners.
- Support longitudinal community-based primary care education and training for students, trainees, and faculty.
- Support innovative primary care programs that educate and provide training, incorporating evidence-based behavior change strategies that improve chronic disease prevention and management across primary care.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate faculty development designed to facilitate the education of students, trainees, and primary care providers using innovative methods in addressing population health and managing chronic disease.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that provide innovative education and training, including telehealth. Also provide funding to support programs that provide education and training in telehealth as well as other virtual health technologies.
ACTPCMD intends to submit its report to Congress in September. The committee also plans to vote on several recommendations for the 18th report during its next meeting, concerning physician assistant placement and retention, creation of new dental residency programs, and maternal care in rural settings.