A Multidisciplinary Bootcamp as an Educational Launch to a Geriatric Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Professional Education
• Interdisciplinary Care

Background:

• Emergency department (ED) visits are rising among older adults (≥65 years).
• Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) offer specialized care for this demographic.
• Interdisciplinary education is crucial for GED development and staff training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a geriatric emergency department (GED) bootcamp as an educational strategy.
• To assess its effectiveness in introducing GED concepts within a health system.

Main Methods:

• An all-day, in-person bootcamp led by geriatric emergency care experts.
• Participants included diverse healthcare professionals, administrators, and policy professionals.
• Pre- and post-bootcamp surveys measured knowledge and interest in GED concepts.

Main Results:

• 100 participants attended the bootcamp, with 50% completing pre- and post-surveys.
• A statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in knowledge and interest was observed post-bootcamp.
• The bootcamp successfully engaged an interdisciplinary group.

Conclusions:

• The in-person GED bootcamp served as an effective educational platform.
• It fostered meaningful education in emergency geriatric care for an interdisciplinary audience.
• This model supports the development and implementation of GEDs.