Training: Educational Opportunities

  
Continuum of Care Project staff are available to deliver  training, information and seminars on a variety of medically related topics and will tailor a program to meet your needs. The project has developed several materials and guidelines for interdisciplinary teams serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Continuum of Care Project has, as a goal, to increase awareness, medical knowledge and sensitivity in the area of developmental disabilities. In cooperation with other UNM-HSC programs, departments and parent organizations, modules and rotations for medical students and residents have been developed. It is the Continuum of Care's vision that future medical professionals in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Neurology, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and Nursing will be more knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of this population.

One educational initiative focuses on the education and training of practicing community physicians. The Continuum of Care Project at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center offers, to local medical practices throughout New Mexico, on-site training seminars. A team with expertise in developmental disabilities, consisting of a pediatrician and/or family practitioner, neurologist, psychiatrist, social worker and administrator, works with each practice regarding this patient population.

The menu of topics include:

• Prevalence of developmental disabilities,
• Seizure disorder considerations in patients with developmental disabilities,
• Psychiatric considerations in patients with developmental disabilities,
• Early signs of developmental delay and sources of early intervention,
• Periodic monitoring of various disabling conditions,
• Impact of disability and/or chronic conditions on daily living such as school, work, family, emotional health and social life,
• Coordination with specialists, schools and community programs,
• Compliance with ADA in health care settings,
• Record keeping considerations,
• Strategies for gaining cooperation from fearful/resistant patients.>

In addition to the above topics, the team can address concerns specific to each practice. For example, a clinic in Belen benefited from a session designed to improve communication between their office and primary care givers at local community programs. According to the medical staff, "the program showed us that dealing with patients who have developmental disabilities is very much like any geriatric patient with chronic disease. With just a few enhancements to deal with challenging behavior and good communication with care givers we can integrate these patients into our practice."

Limited financial supports are available to help defray the cost of participating in this seminar. Continuing Medical Education credit is available as well through UNM Continuing Education. For more information please contact the project coordinator, Ingrid Nelson (505) 925-2374 or toll free 1-877- 684- 5259.

Pre-Service and Orientation Health Information Training Module