Qualitative Analysis of an Inter-Professional, In-Home, Community Geriatric Educational Training Program.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Inter-professional Education
• Health Professions Training

Background:

• Clinical training sites for health professions trainees are becoming increasingly scarce.
• There is a need for innovative geriatric education models that prepare students for team-based care.
• Community-based learning offers a valuable alternative to traditional institutional settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and qualitatively analyze an innovative inter-professional geriatrics curriculum.
• To evaluate student learning experiences in a home-based, community setting.
• To identify key themes emerging from student reflections on inter-professional geriatric training.

Main Methods:

• A five-session, year-long didactic and experiential curriculum was developed for dental, medical, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant students.
• Students worked in inter-professional teams led by faculty, meeting with community-dwelling older adults three times.
• Qualitative analysis of student responses to a reflective question was conducted.

Main Results:

• Four common themes emerged from student reflections across all professions: health professional roles/scope of practice, geriatric care and health outcomes, team communication/collaboration, and advocating for one's profession.
• These themes aligned with the curriculum's stated goals.
• The findings highlight the value of experiential, community-based learning in geriatrics.

Conclusions:

• The novel inter-professional geriatrics curriculum effectively facilitated learning in a home-based community setting.
• Students gained valuable insights into team dynamics, professional roles, and patient-centered geriatric care.
• This model provides a viable solution for clinical training amidst decreasing institutional site availability.