Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
GRECC Education & Educational Products
The VA Geriatric Scholars Program
The Geriatric Scholars Program is a workforce development program to infuse geriatrics into VA primary care settings. This program is designed to improve access and quality of care for older Veterans who are seen in primary care settings and each participant is envisioned as an ambassador of change.
The core program is an intensive course in geriatrics, an intensive workshop in quality improvement and each Scholar initiates a local quality improvement project to demonstrate learning and improve care or clinic efficiency.
As a longitudinal program, learning is tailored to each individual.
Other educational components are also available to alumni of the core program, such as clinical practicum experiences, webinars, self-directed web-based learning, enduring educational materials and on-site team training for the entire PACT(s) in rural clinics. Visit the Mentored Implementation description on the Office of Rural Health website for more information.
Outreach to Urban Primary Care Teams is a virtual team-based program focusing on recognition and care for common health conditions of older persons, including quality improvement training to facilitate local enhancements to clinic efficiency and care of older Veterans.
For more information about Geriatric Scholars contact Josea Kramer, PhD or Luis Melendez, MPA or call us at 818-891-7711 x39311.
The Geriatric Scholars Virtual Learning Community (VLC)
The Geriatric Scholars Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is an interactive e-learning platform for both VA and non-VA healthcare professionals that provides flexible learning opportunities focused on integrating geriatrics into primary care. The VLC is host to extensive resources for learners, including: 
- Self-paced course modules
- Archived webinars
- Information and links to enduring activities
- A catalog of videos
- Tools developed by GRECCs and VAMC affiliates
It is an open platform, available 24/7 from computers with Internet access. All materials on the VLC are 508 compliant for seamless dissemination. For more information contact Eugenia Dorisca at the Bronx GRECC.
The Geriatric Scholars Program Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training
The Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training (RITT) component of the Geriatric Scholars Program provides on-site and virtual training for rural healthcare providers and staff to enhance interdisciplinary care, with a special focus on care of older Veterans. RITT offers both full- and half-day trainings, accredited for 6.5 and 3.75 hours of CME/CEUs, respectively. RITT also provides a specialized curriculum for rural HBPC teams. For more information contact Eve Gottesman at the Bronx GRECC.
GRECC Connect
This new component of the Geriatric Scholars Program provides twice monthly accredited case-based webinars to rural CBOC clinicians and staff to enhance their care of older Veterans. For more information contact Shatice Jones at the Bronx GRECC.
Geriatric Assessment Pocket Guide
The Greater Los Angeles GRECC developed this pocket guide to assist providers with conducting a geriatric assessment. For more information contact Janice Gillins at the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System GRECC or call 818-891-7711 ext. 39311.
Chronic Pain Management Guide: A Tool for Managing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
This is an evidence and expert opinion-based clinical guide to evaluating and managing chronic non-cancer pain. It contains succinct guidance on identifying biopsychosocial treatment targets including physical exam videos, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment essentials, DAU ordering and interpretation, and patient teaching tools.
Web link: Chronic Pain Management Guide
The Aging and Cognition Education (ACE) Project
The ACE project aims to develop educational tools and resources to support VA Providers working with older Veterans who want to be proactive about their brain health or who have cognitive concerns. Formerly the Dementia Education Workgroup (DEW), the ACE team broadened its scope in 2016 for a greater patient-centric and Whole Health approach. The ACE team has developed several products (see below). For more information contact Emily Trittschuh, PhD. To order copies of products, contact Julie Moorer, GRECC RN and specify product, preferred format, mailing address, and quantity.
- 3Ds: Dementia, Delirium, and Depression pocket card is a frontline tool to assist interprofessional health care providers with the identification and initial assessment of these common geriatric syndromes. First created by DEW in 2011; the newest version was released in 2021. This pocket card provides tools to help identify three common geriatric syndromes that can affect thinking abilities: delirium, dementia, and depression. It is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive assessment. Asymptomatic screening is NOT recommended.
Brain Health and Quality of Life in Aging: Tips on Staying Sharp and Active materials contain information to facilitate discussions between health care providers and Veterans. The materials are available in 3 formats: a booklet, a large pocket card, and single sheet, topic-specific, “click-and-print” documents for more in-depth information. There is also a checklist worksheet for providers to complete with Veterans that employs a “What Matters Most” approach and motivational interviewing tips.
- Delirium Resource Card pocket card/tool to assist health care professionals in the outpatient/non-ICU detection and management of delirium. The card presents key features and types of delirium, contributing/causal factors, assessment approaches, and recommended non-pharmacological strategies for management and prevention.
Memory Skills for Older Adults with PTSD
Memory Skills for Older Adults with PTSD (MSOAP) is an 8-session psychoeducational group developed by the Puget Sound GRECC. Materials include Veteran and Group Leader manuals, as well as other supportive/supplementary documents. Interprofessional group leadership is encouraged; training and support are available. For more information contact Emily Trittschuh, PhD.
Healthy Aging Project – Brain
Healthy Aging Project – Brain (HAP-B) is a 6-session psychoeducational group developed by the Puget Sound GRECC. Materials include Veteran and Group Leader manuals, as well as other supportive/supplementary documents. Interprofessional group leadership is encouraged; training and support are available. For more information contact Emily Trittschuh, PhD.
