EP41: Bringing the Washington, DC Healthcare Policy Experience to Quinnipiac University

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bringing the Washington, DC Healthcare Policy Experience to Quinnipiac University</span></em></p> <p><strong><em>“A critical part of that has to be understanding how policies develop and the implications that both national and state policies have on the ability to deliver high-quality care.”</em></strong><strong>— Dr. Matthew O’Connor, Dean & Professor of Finance</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to statistics, all Boomers will turn 65 by 2030. This will be about 20% of the American population, approximately 70 million Americans. It's estimated that we will need at least 3.5 million additional health care professionals and triple the number of direct care workers. It's going to create a crisis in staffing and health care. </span></p> <p><strong>Part One of ‘Bringing the Washington, DC Healthcare Policy Experience to Quinnipiac University’</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Institute of Medicine Landmark report for an aging America on building the healthcare workforce stated that unless action is taken immediately, the healthcare workforce will lack the capacity in both size and ability to meet the needs of older patients in the future. NAS calls it a crisis. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is why the training of healthcare leaders, particularly in aging policy, is critical to developing good leadership and strategies that can help them understand how the organization needs to function in a very high-quality environment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another component is that they must understand what goes on in D.C. and how it impacts the delivery system. Such as how providers are reimbursed, how quality is measured, how money is appropriated for NIH research programs. And, it’s important to show appreciation towards the medical professionals and social workers who are “in the trenches”. They have a practical perspective on how things are being done.</span></p> <p><strong><em>“There has to be an ap