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Published on: January 24, 2020
Twelve tips for teaching about patients with cognitive impairment
James Michael Fisher1, Ellen Tullo2, Kwong Chan3
1a Department of Geriatric Medicine , Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields , United Kingdom.
As the global population ages, cognitive impairments are rising. Medical education must adapt to train healthcare professionals effectively, addressing challenges in educating undergraduates about cognitive conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Medical Education
- Neurology
Background:
- The global population is aging, leading to an increased prevalence of cognitive impairments.
- Current healthcare professional training often inadequately addresses the needs of older adults with cognitive issues.
- Existing curricula and educational methods face challenges in preparing future doctors for geriatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify challenges in delivering effective training to medical undergraduates on cognitive impairment.
- To propose practical strategies and evidence-based tips for improving this crucial aspect of medical education.
- To enhance the educational experiences of medical students with cognitively impaired patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and evidence on geriatric and cognitive impairment education in medical schools.
- Analysis of barriers to effective training, including ethical, logistical, and societal factors.
- Development of a practical framework with 12 actionable tips for educators.
Main Results:
- Key challenges include ethical/logistical issues with patient interaction, outdated curricula, ageism, and condition complexity.
- The article presents 12 practical tips for educators to improve undergraduate training.
- Strategies focus on maximizing the value of educational experiences with cognitively impaired patients.
Conclusions:
- Medical education requires significant updates to meet the growing needs of an aging population with cognitive decline.
- Overcoming barriers to training is essential for equipping healthcare professionals with necessary geriatric care skills.
- Implementing practical, evidence-based strategies can significantly improve medical undergraduates' competency in managing cognitive impairment.
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