Implementing a multidimensional geriatric curriculum in a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Medical Education
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency programs may lack formal geriatric patient care curricula.
• There is a need to enhance PM&R residents' knowledge and attitudes towards geriatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a multidimensional geriatric curriculum for PM&R residents.
• To assess the impact of the curriculum on residents' geriatric knowledge, attitudes, and teamwork perception.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week clinical rotation across diverse geriatric settings (outpatient clinic, SNF, CCRC, home visits).
• Inclusion of online self-learning modules and didactic sessions.
• Pre- and post-testing using the Geriatric Knowledge Test, Geriatric Attitude Scale, and Attitudes Toward Teamwork in Healthcare Scale.

Main Results:

• Geriatric Knowledge Test scores improved from 67.2% to 72.7% (not statistically significant).
• Residents demonstrated more favorable attitudes towards the geriatric population and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• High ratings for learning experiences (average 7.06) and organizational aspects (average 6.89).

Conclusions:

• The implemented geriatric curriculum enhanced geriatric training for PM&R residents.
• The program positively influenced residents' attitudes towards geriatric patients and teamwork.
• The curriculum provided a valuable learning experience, despite non-significant knowledge score improvements.