Moving Upstream-Health Extension and Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Public Health Research
• Primary Care Practice Transformation

Background:

• Health extension programs offer opportunities for practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and primary care practices to collaborate beyond clinic settings.
• Addressing upstream social determinants of health and engaging in community-based research are key functions of these programs.
• Local factors such as history, relationships, and support influence the effectiveness of health extension programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative, bidirectional model (Health Extension Regional Officers - HEROs) linking academic health centers with community-based practices and organizations.
• To highlight the diverse nature of health extension workforces, including practice facilitators, community health workers, and Cooperative Extension agents.
• To showcase how PBRNs are measuring success through collaboration in various health activities.

Main Methods:

• The Health Extension Regional Officers (HEROs) program at the University of New Mexico utilizes a bidirectional approach.
• Oregon's health extension workforce comprises diverse professionals.
• The Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network employs a 'Four Pillars' model: community engagement, practice transformation, research, and education.

Main Results:

• The HEROs program facilitates a link between academic health centers and community practices.
• Oregon's health extension workforce is diverse and includes various roles.
• The Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network's model involves multiple stakeholders to improve community health.

Conclusions:

• Health extension programs are vital for bridging academic and community settings to address social determinants of health.
• Innovative models like HEROs and multi-pillar approaches enhance community-based research and practice.
• Collaboration across diverse health activities and stakeholders is crucial for improving community health outcomes.