Clinical Care with Rural Focus
A variety of health care issues are more commonly encountered in rural areas than in urban areas such as agricultural injuries, exposures and zoonoses. For issues common to both rural and urban areas, approaches and solutions may differ in rural areas. Such issues include cancer screening, firearm safety, opioid use disorder, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.
STIs: Epidemiology and Prevention
This module discusses the common and costly sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Throughout the module considerations particular to rural communities are highlighted. Additionally, the module presents up-to-date strategies for prevention of STIs.
STIs: Diagnosis and Treatment
This module continues the discussion of STIs with a focus on diagnosis and treatment. Learners will learn the importance of and practice of point-of-care treatment.
Unintended Pregnancy
This module identifies common reasons for unplanned pregnancy and common outcomes; identifies common barriers to care for family planning services in rural areas; provides patient centered language for contraception discussions; and discusses the ethical implications of conscientious objection in family planning.
Zoonoses
This module identifies populations at highest risk for zoonoses; describes the “one health” concept of zoonotic disease; identifies the eight highest priority zoonoses from the CDC and the ones of concern in Colorado; and provides prevention and treatment plans for patients at risk and affected with zoonoses.
Firearm Injury Prevention
This module describes the epidemiology of firearm injuries in the U.S, including risks in rural areas; discusses how firearm safety is a risk factor for suicide, homicide, and unintentional injury and death; and recommends evidence-based approaches to firearm injury prevention.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
This module examines common hazards on rural roadways, how behavioral, environmental, and healthcare related factors contribute motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), and strategies to prevent MVCs.
Human Trafficking
The realities of human trafficking are challenging for all communities to address. Factors such as geographical isolation, interstate transportation routes, industries with seasonal workers, lack of economic security, lack of victim resources and support, and lack of training for front line professionals impact rural responses to human trafficking. This module equips students with tools to understand Colorado trends; identify and provide effective and compassionate care and rural-tailored resources for survivors of human trafficking.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are progressive conditions that impair memory, thought processes, and executive functioning that affect daily living. This module will discuss risk factors for ADRD, risk reduction strategies, evidence-based practices for culturally sensitive ADRD care, and important rural considerations.
Agricultural Toxicology
People who work in agriculture are at risk for exposure to a variety of agricultural and chemical toxins, contributing to making farming one of the ten most dangerous occupations. This module explores the physiology and management of injury due to fermentation gases and several classes of agricultural chemicals.
Aging in Place
This module aims to provide an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with aging in place in rural areas. Participants will explore strategies to support the aging population in maintaining their independence and quality of life as they age. Key themes will be explored including trends and challenges, technological solutions, financing, policy, caregiver considerations, housing issues, and community-based supports. This module addresses common misconceptions about aging in rural areas, culminating in a set of recommendations aimed at refining and advancing aging in place initiatives within rural communities.