MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In recognition of her extensive background and research in community-based chronic and palliative care, West Virginia University School of Nursing Associate Professor Joy Buck, Ph.D., M.S.N., has been appointed to the American Nurses Association’s Care Coordination Quality Measures Advisory Committee.
In this role, Dr. Buck will join other national nursing leaders in guiding the development of a framework for measuring nurses’ contributions to patient care coordination, with an ultimate goal of facilitating delivery of the right healthcare services in the right order, at the right time and in the right setting.
Care coordination for patients with complex health care needs often involves multiple professionals who each bring his or her own specialized knowledge, skills and services to individual treatment plans. The ANA recognizes the powerful and unique role nurses can play in the effort to provide a comprehensive, coherent and continuous response to a patient's unique care needs. With the passing of the Affordable Care Act, care coordination has become an area of concern for policy makers, patients and caregivers as a tool in controlling health care costs while improving patient health outcomes and satisfaction.
In addition to her position with the WVU School of Nursing, Buck serves as an adjunct professor at the WVU School of Medicine, Eastern Division, in Martinsburg. She is principal investigator for Bridges to Healthy Transitions, a research program housed in the WVU School of Nursing’s Eastern Division.
Bridges to Healthy Transitions projects focus on structures, processes and transitions that impact the care and quality of life of underserved and medically complex populations. The research engages both the community and multiple health disciplines, including nursing, public health, medicine and social work. The work involves comprehensive assessment, planning and intervention to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life in the region and the state.
