Using the 4Ms framework to teach geriatric competencies in a community clinical experience.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric nursing education
• Interprofessional healthcare training
• Community-based health initiatives

Background:

• Growing and diversifying older adult population in the US necessitates geriatric competency integration in nursing education.
• Baccalaureate nursing programs require updated curricula to address the needs of aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement the Institute for Healthcare Improvement 4 Ms Framework within a baccalaureate nursing community clinical experience.
• To enhance geriatric and interprofessional competencies among nursing students.
• To promote positive health outcomes for older adults through improved care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 4 Ms Framework (what matters, medications, mentation, mobility) in an urban, affordable housing setting.
• Involved 15 nursing students collaborating with bilingual social workers and community health workers.
• Assessed building residents and developed personalized care plans.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated proficiency in cognitive and depression screening, medication review, and functional/fall risk assessments.
• Student self-rated achievement of learning objectives was high (4.3-4.8/5).
• Surveys indicated increased understanding of interprofessional teamwork, person-centered care for older adults, and barriers to health in low socioeconomic communities.

Conclusions:

• The 4 Ms Framework effectively guided the community clinical experience for nursing students.
• The framework facilitated teaching geriatric evidence-based practice.
• The experience highlighted the importance of continuum of care for older adults.