UNE centers engage community on best practices for emergency care in patients with dementia

The Center to Advance Interprofessional Education and Practice (CAIEP) at the University of New England hosted a virtual “Knowledge Exchange” event on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in partnership with Maine’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), also known as AgingME, housed in UNE’s Center for Excellence in Public Health (CEPH). 

The session, titled “In Case of Emergency: Making Team-Based Considerations for Older Adults, People Living with Dementia,” attracted 260 attendees, including students, faculty, and community members. 

Event organizers remarked that a diverse representation of health professions — including students from UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and physical therapy and dental hygiene degree programs, among many others — illustrates CAIEP’s commitment to interprofessional education and practice, with participants praising the depth of discussion and the opportunity to interact with community members and other health care disciplines.

“The lectures I've attended have enriched my awareness of the various factors impacting care for patient populations far exceeding my expectations,” said Jacqueline Keller (D.P.T., ’26).

This event also engaged the broader community, with local community members participating fully in the conversations and a representative from Maine Sen. Susan Collins’ office in attendance. Led by Susan Wehry, M.D., associate clinical professor and program director of AgingME, the event explored crucial themes at the intersection of emergency preparedness, aging, and dementia care. 

Panelists Lisa Joyce, M.L.I.S., outreach librarian at South Portland Public Library, and Laura Spradley, M.S., CDP, outreach manager for the Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative, shared their insights into emergency communication strategies, patient safety, and the unique challenges of caring for those with dementia during emergencies. Attendees left with actionable learning objectives that could enhance their own professional practices. 

“These experiences have allowed me to build valuable connections that will support me in my future career as a health care professional,” said Andrea Meza (D.O., ’28), reflecting on the experience of attending CAIEP Knowledge Exchange events. Organizers said Meza’s sentiment echoes the event's core mission of fostering empathy, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

The Knowledge Exchange model delivers practical, interprofessionally applicable information by bringing together students, professionals, and community advocates. 

CAIEP Interim Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Liz Crampsey, Ed.D., said, “CAIEP is always looking for subject matter experts who can bring knowledge and skills to all of the health professions students here at UNE. The GWEP team has been a great partner, and we look forward to our next event together.”