A large, system-based, accredited transition-to-practice program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), known as the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) fellowship, currently operates eight specialty tracks, integrating community engagement into each of its tracks. The APP General Pediatrics Fellowship partnered with Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO), a community action agency dedicated to supporting low-income individuals and families in Peoria County through comprehensive services and life-long learning. This collaboration aimed to enhance community capacity and address challenges families face in navigating pediatric healthcare.
Curriculum was developed and delivered by APP General Pediatric Fellows, with the guidance of APP Clinical Coordinators, emphasizing person, family, and community-centered education. Two separate educational sessions were conducted. The first, directed at daycare providers, focused on childhood developmental milestones from birth to age five, highlighted advocacy strategies to promote age-appropriate growth and development. Around forty daycare providers were in attendance for the hour-long educational session. The second session, which was an hour-long lunch and learn delivered to families and children served by PCCEO, centered on basic first aid, guidance on when to seek medical attention, and how to navigate the healthcare system effectively. Ten attendees were present for the first-aid presentation. PCCEO hosts a lunch and learn monthly to provide education and support to low-income families. To support engagement and reinforce key learning objectives, both sessions incorporated gamification strategies, fostering interaction and real-time application of knowledge. The curriculum reflected the voices the needs of patients, caregivers, and community advocates, aligning with PCCEO’s mission to empower individuals through education and improve overall quality of life. Direct feedback from PCCEO agency workers highlighted improved engagement and enjoyment among families and children during the first aid education session. The interactive, gamified format enhanced participation and made the content more relatable and accessible for the audience.
This initiative serves as a model in which APP fellowship programs can collaborate with community-based organizations to support patient and caregiver-driven education, reduce barriers to healthcare access, and promote health equity. By engaging directly with those served and ensuring their perspectives inform the educational content, this partnership exemplifies an ethical, community-engaged approach to healthcare, education, and delivery. The project highlights the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and authentic partnerships in strengthening health literacy and building trust within underserved communities, ultimately helping people help themselves and each other.
