Learning Event Support: 38th Annual Update in Primary Care

Project Summary:

According to the 2025 Wisconsin Health Care Workforce Report, the current healthcare challenges include the increasing retirement population with growing healthcare demands while there is a shrinking workforce available. With this situation, primary care providers in Wisconsin are faced with increasing demands on their time to take care of very sick patients while at the same time are required to stay current with constantly evolving clinical guidelines and treatments. Among others, this contributes to delayed palliative and hospice care, due to discomfort or lack of training in initiating end-of-life conversations; underdiagnosis of ADHD in older adults, stemming from limited awareness and referral options; and inadequate COPD management, with missed opportunities for confirmatory testing and early intervention. This event addresses these gaps through evidence-based presentations, real-life case discussions, and interactive question-and-answer sessions. Expert speakers will provide actionable guidance on integrating current research into clinical practice. Participants will gain practical tools to improve communication around palliative care, leading to more timely and compassionate support; recognize and manage ADHD in older adults, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment; and enhance COPD diagnosis and care, contributing to better long-term outcomes. By equipping providers with relevant, up-to-date knowledge, this conference supports improved patient care and health outcomes across Wisconsin’s communities. Speakers who are experts in their fields will highlight the latest evidence for optimal patient care management and guide participants on how to implement these recommendations into their primary care practice. The event will allow participants to practice their knowledge and skills to become proficient and confident through didactic presentations and case reviews. The primary audience for this conference consists of community-based primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants—primarily from Wisconsin, representing approximately 90% of attendees. The remaining 10% typically come from neighboring Midwestern states. The conference aims to welcome around 100 participants. Topics are thoughtfully selected for their relevance to the primary care community. Organizers consider feedback from previous attendees, who suggest areas of focus for future sessions, as well as recommendations from speakers and others who reach out with ideas. Additionally, insights from participant surveys help shape various aspects of the event, including its location and format.