Promoting Quality of Life in Advanced Dementia Care: Reading Buddies Program as Service-learning

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Gerontology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Service-learning programs can address educational goals and community needs.
• Interprofessional collaboration is vital in healthcare education.
• Working with older adults with cognitive impairments presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Reading Buddies Program on occupational therapy graduate students.
• To challenge students' implicit biases and enhance communication skills with older adults.
• To foster clinical reasoning development through a service-learning experience.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study analyzing 55 student reflection papers.
• Utilized NVivo software for thematic analysis.
• Service-learning collaboration between Tufts University and VA Bedford Health Care System.

Main Results:

• Four emergent themes: initial uncertainty, risk-taking, self-acknowledgment, and ongoing adaptation.
• Students demonstrated development in clinical reasoning and confidence.
• Positive perceived benefits for students participating in the program.

Conclusions:

• Service-learning is an effective pedagogical tool for occupational therapy education.
• Creative partnerships can meet educational objectives and serve vulnerable populations.
• The Reading Buddies Program successfully improved student skills and provided meaningful care to Veterans.