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Microlearning to teach geriatric principles in hospitals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Carol L Hunter1,2, Keerti Paida1, Tim J Wilkinson3
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia.
Age and Ageing
|May 17, 2026
Summary
Microlearning effectively teaches geriatric medicine principles to hospital clinicians, significantly improving delirium knowledge and recognition. Further research will explore patient outcome impacts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Geriatric Medicine
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Hospital-based geriatric medicine education faces availability and accessibility challenges.
- Microlearning, defined as short, focused educational interventions (<15 minutes), offers a practical solution for time-constrained environments.
- This systematic review evaluates microlearning's effectiveness for hospital clinicians learning geriatric medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of microlearning interventions for hospital-based clinicians learning geriatric medicine principles.
- To assess the impact of microlearning on various educational outcomes, including participant reaction, learning, behavior, and clinical practice.
- To identify common microlearning strategies and topics within geriatric medicine education.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating microlearning for hospital clinicians (medical, nursing, allied health).
- Comprehensive database searches were conducted, with two independent reviewers screening titles, abstracts, and full texts.
- Effectiveness was assessed using the Kirkpatrick model, with data synthesized narratively and via meta-analysis. Study quality was evaluated using established instruments.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, with most being pre-post implementation designs (73%).
- Common interventions included bedside teaching, pocket cards, and e-modules, focusing on delirium and dementia.
- Ninety percent of 40 educational outcomes showed positive results, with 30% being statistically significant. Meta-analysis confirmed significant improvements in delirium knowledge and recognition.
Conclusions:
- Microlearning demonstrates potential as an effective educational strategy for geriatric medicine principles, especially for delirium recognition.
- Significant improvements in delirium knowledge and recognition were observed through meta-analysis.
- Further research is recommended to evaluate the impact on patient outcomes and inform implementation in training programs.
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