Based out of the URI program in Gerontology, RIGEC is a consortium of partners established in 1996 one of 45 federal geriatric education centers (GECs) dedicated solely to providing interprofessional geriatrics education and training to heath care practitioners, professionals, students and medical trainees.
Since it’s inception, RIGEC has delivered hundreds of interdisciplinary focused workshops, lectures, and clinical training programs providing over 4000 individuals across our state with specialized knowledge and skills needed to care for older persons.
In July 2015, RIGEC was one of 44 organizations in 29 states awarded a grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to implement the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). The RI-GWEP aims to further improve health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care delivery systems and engaging patients, families, and caregivers.
Goals and Objectives
Working along side our collaborating partners, RIGEC aims to develop a comprehensive interprofessional geriatrics education model for patient-centered practice in primary care educational and clinical settings across the state. RI-GWEP initiatives will:
- Develop health professionals who can assess and address the unique needs of older adults and their families.
- Integrate interprofessional geriatrics education into Rhode Island’s healthcare delivery system.
- Prepare health professions students and trainees to practice in and lead integrated geriatrics care settings.
- Provide patients, families and caregivers with knowledge essential for maintenance of health and management of disease.
- Deliver Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders education to health professionals, consumers and student/trainees.