Recognizing and Managing Geriatric Depression: A Two-Part Self-Learning Module Set

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Medical Education
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The aging population necessitates enhanced geriatric care skills among healthcare providers.
• Geriatric depression is prevalent, causing significant morbidity, yet often overlooked in medical training.
• A need exists for accessible educational tools on geriatric depression for health professions learners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a two-part online, self-learning module on geriatric depression.
• To equip health professions learners with foundational knowledge for diagnosing and managing depression in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Modules were designed based on expert consensus, covering recognition, screening, suicide assessment, and initial management.
• Two 20-minute modules were created using Articulate software, featuring interactive elements and standardized patient videos.
• Content focused on practical skills for clinical evaluation and patient education.

Main Results:

• Pilot testing with 11 medical students showed significant improvement in knowledge scores (pretest: 8.1/10, posttest: 9.4/10).
• Participants rated the modules highly for ease of navigation (4.91/5) and increased understanding of geriatric depression (4.82/5).
• Video components were perceived to enhance learning (4.64/5).

Conclusions:

• The developed online modules effectively enhance foundational knowledge in geriatric depression.
• These modules serve as a valuable resource for health professions schools to prepare future clinicians for geriatric care.
• The training is designed to improve learners' confidence and competence in addressing depression in older patients.