The collaborative effort between the two agencies will provide GMHA staff with the opportunity to enroll in a one-year, self-paced training program designed for wound care professionals. 
 
“GWEP aims to improve health outcomes for older adults by using strategic partnerships to implement interdisciplinary geriatrics workforce training. We are grateful for the GMHA partnership and the opportunity to help improve the quality of care for our manåmko',” said Margaret Hattori-Uchima, dean of UOG School of Health and director of GWEP.  

Through the program, eight nurses and one physical therapist from GMHA will receive virtual training from a team of nationally recognized wound specialists. All participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, the interactive training will put them on the path of certification to become wound care specialists within their scope of practice.  
 
GMHA’s Clinical Wound Supervisor PJ Calalo started the program last month. He said the training would be part of a quality improvement project that focuses on preventing pressure injuries in the adult population and knowledge on bedside management of other etiologies of various wounds.    
 
“I’m really excited to be in the thick of this course. The material is truly a comprehensive look at various skin issues, including pressure injuries, arterial and diabetic wounds. Healthcare interventions evolve constantly, and past practices become out-of-date quickly. Taking this course will ensure that I, and the entire wound care team at GMHA, stay on top of the latest research and best practices to better serve our amazing Guam community,” Calalo said. 

GWEP secured funding for the training through a $3.7 million grant awarded to them in 2019 by the Health Resources & Services Administration. Funds from the grant are used to fill gaps in care for the elderly in Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. 

“Being able to partner with UOG to further our staff’s knowledge and training is honestly a blessing for our community. The GMHA staff, especially the Wound Care team I humbly lead, are passionate advocates for the best patient care, which is constantly evolving. We’re on a relentless pursuit to perfect our systems, practices and learnings and this training is a major boost to get us there,” said Dr. Dustin Prins, GMHA Physician Lead and Wound Care Director. 

GMHA’s interdisciplinary wound care team gathers to assess patient conditions before beginning their rounds. The team is hyper-focused on prevention, treatment, and education to ensure the highest patient care. Photo courtesy of Guam Memorial Hospital Authority