HCCI Brings Home-Based Primary Care Training To China

After a successful and well-received trip to Jinan, China in August, HCCI CEO Tom Cornwell, MD was invited back in November by China’s largest medical training center in Shanghai, Tongji Medical College, to provide training on home-based care. Eight modules were presented over two days, including HCCI Essential Elements of Home-based Primary Care™ case-based small group sessions that had been translated into Chinese. Accustomed to lecture-driven learning, these interactive discussions were quite a departure; this new method of learning proved very impactful. Additional topics included home health, hospice and the importance of interdisciplinary team care in geriatrics, which are not developed in China.

Asked what the best part of the trip was, Dr. Cornwell said, “The opportunity to go on an actual house call, and of course seeing HCCI’s materials in Chinese!” Dr. Cornwell’s heart is in the home and going on a house call in China was a major highlight. The patient pictured is a paraplegic living in an apartment up two flights of narrow, unlit stairs.  It was rewarding to collaborate with the Chinese providers on strategies for bringing healing to this gentleman.

Early discussions are taking place regarding a possible HCCI Center of Excellence in China, along with preparing Chinese trainers to deliver HBPC training. In 2035 China will have 35% of the world’s elderly population, and HCCI is ready to help ensure that all patients who prefer to receive medical care in their home have that option.