The clinic s storefront setting allows physicians, resident physicians and students to provide care to patients in the patient s home environment. The physicians can learn who the patient is rather than just what disease entity is present. Traditional medical care is provided in locations that are convenient for the professional providers of that care, not necessarily the patients, said Barbara Beck Ph.D. MCW Center for Healthier Communities. The Lapham Community street-scape not only provides convenience for the patients but a learning experience for the physician as well. The physician gets a first hand look at the patient s world, his or her community and interactions in it.
Providers also can see what residents can offer to each other.
A former nursing home worker now confined to a wheelchair had become isolated and a recluse. Another resident also a bit of a recluse needed cataract surgery and someone to administer post-surgical eye drops. The resident in the wheelchair agreed to train and provide the medication. The two became friends and are now interacting with the rest of the community. The philosophy extends throughout the structure.