The latest episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast is scheduled to be released Friday, Oct. 2.
This episode of "The UMB Pulse" explores why health care can feel fragmented when patients must repeat medical histories and providers don’t seem to communicate. Kenneth H. Wong, PhD, University of Maryland, Baltimore’s vice provost for graduate education and dean of the School of Graduate Studies, explains that the issue is driven less by individual unwillingness than by systems and structures that discourage coordination and lack a clear “general contractor” role.
He discusses limitations of electronic medical records in practice, consequences such as errors and redundant tests, and the historic separation of health professional training. UMB addresses this through interprofessional education across its seven schools, including Interprofessional Education Day simulations, a Health Professions Education program, trauma science training, and seed grants that fund programs such as a climate change and health curriculum.
Wong says evidence shows these experiences improve collaboration, but system-level standards and connectivity are still needed, and patients should voice coordination concerns to providers and through surveys.
Listen to “The UMB Pulse” on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you like to listen. “The UMB Pulse” is now also on YouTube. Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.