Abstract
A clinical rotation was developed for University of Michigan geriatric fellows in partnership with Huron Valley PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly). Given the rapid growth of PACE nationally and especially in the state of Michigan, it was felt that it was important for U-M geriatric fellows to have the opportunity to learn principles of managed care and medical directorship while still in training.
This PACE rotation allows geriatric fellows to participate in frail elder care in a variety of clinical settings including clinic, hospital, skilled nursing facility and home. Fellows have the opportunity to talk with all members of the PACE interdisciplinary team about their roles in the PACE model and attend various interdisciplinary team meetings. The PACE Medical Director introduces fellows to medical directorship principles through attendance at leadership meetings and one-on-one conversations as well as principles of managed care through attendance at managed care meetings and discussions and demonstrations of the authorization process.
At the end of the academic year, each fellow gives a talk during a Division conference about how frail community-dwelling older adults age in place in another country as compared to the U.S. PACE model. Results of retrospective pre-post surveys of fellows’ perceived skills in assessing PACE eligibility, working in a capitated model and effectively leading an interdisciplinary team will be presented, capturing the learners’ insight gained as the concept of aging in place is explored internationally.