Grand rounds as an educational implementation method for evidence-based age-friendly care: A quality improvement approach

As the global population ages, health care systems must adapt to meet the needs of older adults. Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) is an evidence-based framework of care aimed at assessing and acting-on the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility).

In 2018, a national network of ambulatory care clinics began efforts to integrate AFHS care into routine practice. Successful implementation requires innovative strategies, including comprehensive education of advanced practice providers to enhance both their knowledge of the 4Ms and their capacity to apply these principles in everyday care.

A quality improvement approach was used to design and implement a series of 12 Age-Friendly Grand Rounds sessions focused on integrating the 4Ms into clinical practice.

The Grand Round sessions addressed common conditions encountered among older adults in this ambulatory care setting. After each session, participants received a postsession survey assessing changes in their self-reported knowledge and perceived ability to implement the 4Ms.

Across the 12 sessions, Age-Friendly Grand Rounds sessions received 1,972 views. Among survey respondents, 88.9% described self-reported increased knowledge and ability to apply the 4Ms. In addition, 78.6% of respondents who provided open-ended feedback were categorized as describing at least one potential practice change informed by educational content.

Age-Friendly Grand Rounds seemed to strengthen participants' self-reported knowledge of the 4Ms. This educational approach shows promise as a strategy for supporting AFHS implementation. All sessions have been archived to ensure continued access to these materials for future learners.