SMAPP aims to bridge education gaps with a ‘by APPs, for APPs’ training model designed to elevate patient care.
Key takeaways:
- The newly formed SMAPP Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to the education and professional community of advanced practice providers in sleep medicine.
- The organization targets nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical pharmacologists.
- Its mission focuses on peer-led training, mentorship, and networking to address the rising prevalence of sleep disorders.
- All programming is developed and taught by APPs currently working in the field.
The Sleep Medicine Advanced Practice Provider Foundation (SMAPP) has announced its formation as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing peer-led education and professional community resources for advanced practice providers (APPs) working in sleep medicine.
The organization’s central mission is to empower nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical pharmacologists with expert training and networking resources designed to improve the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders.
As the complexity and prevalence of sleep disorders increase across the US, APPs are becoming critical frontline providers in sleep clinics and practices. SMAPP seeks to address a specific need within the specialty: focused, practical education delivered by clinicians who understand the unique workflow and scope of APP practice. The organization aims to ensure APPs have access to educational material that is immediately applicable to clinical environments to improve patient outcomes.
The foundation plans to deliver educational programs across the full spectrum of sleep disorders. All programming and resources will be developed and taught by APPs currently working in sleep medicine, adhering to a “by APPs, for APPs” model. Beyond education, the organization will focus on fostering a national community through mentorship, networking events, and an online platform for peer-to-peer collaboration.
“My childhood dream of becoming a nurse is where my love of helping others began,” says Maggie Lavender, president and founder of the SMAPP Foundation, in a release. “As a nurse practitioner, my passion and dedication for helping continued to grow beyond just patients but to other APPs as well. SMAPP was formed from that passion and dedication. Through its mission of APP-led education and professional advancement, Advanced Practice Providers will be part of a community that empowers them to be the future leaders of sleep medicine.”
