In the news

• Public comment requested on VHA Pandemic Influenza Ethics Guidance: Meeting the Challenge of Pandemic Influenza: Ethical Guidance for Leaders and Health Care Professionals in the Veterans Health Administration

  The 60 day comment period will close April 9, 2012. The goal of the Notice is to ensure that Veterans and VA staff who may be directly affected during a severe infectious disease outbreak have an opportunity to contribute to the development of ethical concepts and processes that will guide VA emergency planning. The Notice, Guidance and related links can be accessed at: http://www.ethics.va.gov/activities/pandemic_influenza_preparedness.asp

• Peace Corps Successfully Uses Patient Education: TEACH For Success Training Program Developed by NCP

  With the approval of the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO), NCP has shared the Patient Education: TEACH for Success Program (TEACH) with the Peace Corps. Under the VACO agreement, NCP is providing consultation and program materials to Peace Corps staff and primary care providers who are now using TEACH to improve their patient-centered communication, health education, and health coaching skills.

  The Peace Corps has already incorporated TEACH in annual continuing medical education events, with excellent results. TEACH has been well-received by their medical officers, and clinicians reported that the course had an "immediate impact" on their patient education and communication skills.

  Peace Corps leadership has requested that TEACH also be offered to country directors, training officers, sector leads, and administrative officers who work in 76 nations around the world. In the future, the Peace Corps plans to conduct a return-on-investment evaluation of the TEACH training. NCP's Office of Veterans Health Education and Information plans further collaboration with the Peace Corps as both evaluate TEACH's effectiveness.