Lessons Learned - Implementation & Sustainment of a Geriatric Care Model - Within a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Sep 28, 2026

Rural communities in the United States tend to have older populations and poorer health than urban areas. Telemedicine programs within the VA system, such as GRECC Connect, reduce barriers including limited specialist availability, cost, and travel time for frail older patients. Although telehealth support existed during program initiation, implementation faced challenges from rural staff turnover and technology or Wi‑Fi limitations. GRECC Connect evolved into a mature program focused on sustaining gains in educating rural primary care clinicians and caring for medically complex rural Veterans within a changing healthcare landscape.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Lessons Learned: Implementation & Sustainment of a Geriatric Care Model

Rural health and healthcare barriers

Program challenges during implementation

Sustaining clinical and educational gains

Implications for geriatric models under value-based payment

FAQs

Why are telemedicine programs such as GRECC Connect important for rural patients?

They help reduce barriers common in rural settings, including limited specialist availability, higher costs, and travel time for frail older patients.

What challenges affected GRECC Connect implementation at the start?

Implementation and dissemination were challenged by rural staff turnover and limitations related to technology and Wi‑Fi access.

How does GRECC Connect remain effective despite changes in healthcare conditions?

It has matured into a program focused on maintaining positive gains in educating rural primary care clinicians and supporting medically complex rural Veterans as the healthcare landscape changes.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Maya Linwood