Training interprofessional teams in geriatric emergency medicine: A modified team-based learning approach

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Medical Education
• Interprofessional Training

Background:

• Turkey lacks formal geriatric emergency medicine (GEM) subspecialty training.
• There is a need for interprofessional training for healthcare professionals in GEM.
• Team-based learning (TBL) is a suitable method for this specialized training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a GEM training program for healthcare professionals.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness based on teacher and learner satisfaction and knowledge retention.

Main Methods:

• A one-day GEM training program was designed using literature and expert input.
• A modified Team-based Learning (TBL) approach was used, including a lecture and eliminating peer evaluation.
• The program was delivered to physicians, nurses, health officers, and paramedics, with teams comprising at least one of each profession.

Main Results:

• Group test scores surpassed individual test scores across all professions.
• Physicians initially scored higher individually, but this difference vanished in group assessments.
• Knowledge retention was demonstrated six months later, with retention test scores exceeding individual test scores but below group test scores.
• High levels of teacher and learner satisfaction were reported.

Conclusions:

• A modified TBL approach effectively trained healthcare professionals in GEM, enhancing knowledge and retention.
• The training program achieved high participant satisfaction.
• The instructional design and methods are applicable to broader multidisciplinary team training.