Workforce Issues in Geriatrics in Rural America

Abstract

To describe recent approaches by federal agencies to expand the rural healthcare workforce through training in geriatrics and gerontology. Publicly available information on federally funded training and continuing education programs was identified and these programs and initiatives described. Traditional training programs that expose learners to rural environments continue to be supported while new models of training and workforce development have emerged. Federal agencies have a lead role in supporting interprofessional training, adapting new technologies in curricula and facilitating academic, private, and public investments in the workforce. Veterans Health Administration has also undertaken a systematic evaluation strategy across various models with the goal of promoting broad dissemination and implementation. These training and continuing education models have reported successes and continue to be evaluated as innovations that may be broadly adopted to address the healthcare needs of older rural-dwelling populations.