March 17, 2020, ushered in a new reality for the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning (CHPLL). In addition to working from home, the CHPLL also received notice about the cancellation of eight conferences scheduled between April 1 through August 7, 2020. The CHPLL began immediately notifying presenters, planning committee members, vendors, registered attendees and issuing refunds.
“After a year's planning for each of these conferences, disappointment was overshadowed by the reality of keeping all safe,” said Dr. Jane Swartz, Director of the CHPLL.
For over 20 years, the CHPLL has provided health professionals with conferences and online education through the certificate programs, which provide health professionals education within an online format. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, the CHPLL has frequently interacted with participants around the globe with requests,” said Swartz. “Some are requesting to be enrolled into a certificate program now and others say they need to pause while they respond to overwhelming responsibilities. They all are appreciative of our quick and empathetic problem solving.”
Since the call to work from home, Swartz said her department have been meeting via Zoom. “Connecting to each other as a department provided us guidance, connection, collaboration and emotional support,” she said. “We are enjoying interacting with our team in their home environments and getting a glimpse into the other aspects of their life such as two- and four-legged family.”
As the shelter-in-place days continue, the CHPLL are researching additional resources to meet the health professional education needs. Programs using formats such as webinars, Zoom and independent study are being investigated and developed, according to Swartz. “It is the goal of the CHPLL to continue providing continuing education opportunities to assist health professionals in meeting their personal and professional goals and requirements.”
Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
State of Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and dental professionals.
State of California
The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #13378.
COVID-19 INDEPENDENT STUDY
The USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is offering a 30-minute presentation to assist you, your family, peers and patients cope with the pandemic environment in which we find ourselves.
Elizabeth Kalb, PhD, HSPP, MBA, and Anita Hagan MSN, RN, CNS, developed the complimentary program for anyone in need of information and resources. The program provides 0.5 CE after viewing the presentation and completing the evaluation.
