Clinical Science & Practice
CHAI’s Clinical Science and Practice Core works to disseminate and implement best practices rooted in clinical science to improve care for older adults. By fostering partnerships with professionals, family caregivers, and community organizations, the Clinical Core bridges research and practice to elevate care quality and equity.
The Clinical Science & Practice Core is a collaborative Core of the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, the School of Nursing, and the Center for Aging Science and Care Innovation.
The Minnesota Geriatrics Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) is grounded in an inclusive, nonhierarchical philosophy, and supported by an interdisciplinary team team members representing the University of Minnesota (CHAI and Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing), Hennepin Healthcare, MN Leadership Council on Aging, Euvoia Senior Care Consulting, and LeadingAge Minnesota. It is sponsored by the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.
The primary aims of the Minnesota Geriatrics ECHO are to foster shared learning among clinical and administrative leaders of Minnesota’s assisted living and skilled care settings using all teach, all learn principles. Participants have included Assisted Living Directors, Medical Directors, Nursing Home Administrators, Social workers and Nurse Leaders.
Twice monthly, one-hour meetings address topics of interest to participants on a broad range of clinical challenges such as delirium and pain management and administrative challenges such as staffing levels and customer service.
All are welcome. Please considering learning more about Minnesota Geriatrics ECHO.
The School of Nursing and students in its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program work in partnership with our communities to investigate possible improvements to our health care approaches and systems.
To do this, our DNP students will partner with you to improve system problems or challenges of interest and evaluate how these improvements impact the older people and communities.
For projects specific to improving health and care of older people, faculty in the School of Nursing who are members of its Center for Aging Science Caring Innovation will provide technical support (e.g., advising student and methodological/ analytical support) for 1-2 DNP projects in partnership within long term care, healthcare, community leaders.
Examples of past projects include:
- Improving Assessment and Documentation of Acute Changes in Conditions among Skilled Nursing Facility Residents using Adapted INTERACT Resources
- Patient Fall Prevention Education In a Small Rural Community Hospital
- Hearing Screening in a Community Center
We are excited to explore with you what would be required to make these quality improvement projects a reality. Please contact skmcmaho@umn.edu with questions or submit your ideas for quality improvement projects using this form
For more information about the School of Nursing’s DNP program and quality improvement projects, click here
We partner with community groups, organizations, and systems to ensure that the work of CHAI members positively impacts older adults across Minnesota
Age Friendly Minnesota’s Action Teams
In 2025, the Minnesota Multisector Blueprint for Aging builds on cross-agency coordination happening through the Age-Friendly Minnesota (AFMN) Council, and is creating an infrastructure for cross-sector collaboration related to aging. Since 2021 the voices and perspectives of thousands of Minnesotans, including clinicians and scientists, have contributed to the Blueprint, which is now advancing from action planning to implementation.
UMN, School of Nursing’s Center on Aging Science and Care Innovation
This center was established to lead gerontological nursing research, education, and practice by generating new knowledge, disseminating findings, and translating research into practice which serves local and global needs to improve the health of older individuals, their families, and communities. CASCI membership includes more than 30 faculty and students in the School of Nursing.
Sabathani Center’s Better Together
Since 2018, the Sabathani Center, the Minneapolis Community Education and members of CASCI have facilitated community-based gatherings focused on collaborative sharing and learning topics related to health and aging chosen by older people in the community.
The National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence
Through CASCI, we are organizational members of the National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence, dedicated to optimal health and quality of life for older adults through leading and advancing gerontological nursing excellence. Siobhan McMahon and several CASCI/ CHAI members have been awarded certifications as Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Program.
