Survey of curriculum content related to geriatrics in physical therapy education programs

We investigated the current status of the education of physical therapy students regarding elderly individuals. Data were collected through a questionnaire mailed to the directors of 101 accredited physical therapy education programs; the rate of return was 79%. Nearly all of the program directors (96%) affirmed a need to focus on the care of elderly individuals in their curricula. Currently, 92% of the programs teach aging-related material in six different course areas. The most frequently cited course area was professional physical therapy practice, followed by the behavioral-social sciences. Content on aging was incorporated primarily as parts of required courses, averaged 3 credits (representing 10-15 clock hours of study), and was taught primarily through didactic methods. The main obstacle to offering aging-related courses was a full curriculum. The results of our survey suggest that selective changes are needed, including additional course content that would enrich current education and provide physical therapy students with expanded capabilities to meet the health care needs of the elderly population.