1. Healthcare Education: A Collaboration Model
Michelle Welch, O.D.
NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry
October, 2013

2. Interprofessional Education – Keys to our system
Relationship with Cherokee Nation
Geographical distribution of our clinical facilities in a rural area

3. Our clinical services are primarily directed to a contractual agreement with the Cherokee Nation. This relationship has grown phenomenally in the past twenty years to now include all vision and eyecare services for the nation.

4. Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation operates a network of eight (8) health centers and one (1) hospital in the tribe’s jurisdictional boundaries, serving more than 130,000 eligible patients.
Cherokee Nation Health Services provide services for approximately 750,000 patient visits annually.

5. The Oklahoma College of Optometry currently has ten sites in which we provide clinical care. The geographical distribution of these clinics covers the northeastern quadrant of the state of Oklahoma.

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7. Cherokee Nation
Currently NSUOCO providing around 55,000 patient encounters per year in all the facilities
Eyecare full time in Nowata, Salina, Stilwell, Jay Sallisaw, Muskogee, Vinita, and Hastings. Diabetes Exams in Bartlesville
NSUOCO facility provides care for secondary and tertiary needs of tribal member
Retinal Specialist at NSU once per month to provide care

8. Eight Rural Eye Program (REP) Clinics
Redbird Smith Health Center
Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center
Stilwell, Oklahoma

9. Sam Hider Health Center
REP Clinics
Sam Hider Health Center
Jay, Oklahoma
Amo Health Center
Salina, Oklahoma

10. REP Clinics Will Rogers Health Center Nowata, Oklahoma
Three Rivers Health Center
Muskogee, Oklahoma

11. Vinita Health Center
Vinita, Oklahoma

12. Rural Eye Program Clinics
Students usually see around 6 – 10 patients per day
Mostly we focus on primary care. Secondary and tertiary care provided at the NSU facility
We try to save patients a trip elsewhere when possible
Serve most of the patients, most of the time

13. Rural Eye Program Clinics
REP clinics are located within community based ambulatory care centers
With the centers are GP, lab, radiology, pharmacy, some have dental, behavioral health, dietician
We have complete access to the patients EHR for systemic care/meds

14. Aspects of Cherokee Nation relationship – Fully integrated into the health care system
Full representation and voting membership on the Cherokee Nation Medical Executive Committee
Membership on Hospital and Clinical Committees
Membership on the Cherokee Nation Institutional Review Board
Membership on other healthcare initiatives and committees throughout Cherokee Nation (ex, CN Headstart)
The college isn’t alone in these areas of service. Many optometrists in the state have roles in their local medical community. There are optometrists in 70 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma - and I would encourage discussions with those in your area to see how collaboration can help to serve the health of the patients in your area. The patient’s eyecare home and the patient’s medical home working together would be the ideal goal to achieve.

15. Aspects unique to relationship with a Native American tribe in a rural environment
Cultural sensitivity
Assurance of quality health care throughout entire system
Viewed as a vital and integral part of the health care team and the responsibilities that go with that
Trust and assurance that the relationship never violates the cultural values held dear by the Cherokee Nation

16. Benefits of Relationship with College Located in Tahlequah
Shared goals and values
Immediate access to primary, secondary and tertiary providers
Immediate access to state of the art equipment located at the College
Extremely diverse spectrum of eye and vision care provided due to an academic affiliation
Patient quality of life greatly enhanced due to access to care in their home areas

17. The Future?
Met with Cherokee Nation Medical Director in charge of their other educational endeavors
Hope to attend IPEC as a team next fall
They are expanding education in areas of Family Practice, Nursing, Pharmacy
Discussing ways to integrate further……