Interprofessional Geriatrics Education Program: Train the Trainer Pilot Model

Abstract

Background. With the rapid aging of the U.S. population, the proportion of elderly adults far exceeds the capacity of geriatric trained physicians for medical care. As a result of this critical shortage, health professionals without formal training in geriatrics mostly provide medical care for the elderly.We developed and implemented an interprofessional geriatrics education (IPGE) program for non- geriatric trained clinical health professionals, to foster enhanced knowledge and skills in geriatric care, as well as techniques for teaching. Methods. As an initiative of the Virginia Geriatric Education Center, a consortium of health-related departments in 3 universities, 10 health professionals from 4 disciplines (community physicians, nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy) were enrolled in a 40 - hour comprehensive, longitudinal, geriatrics education program using both on line and in class format, with a focus on falls, geriatric syndromes, transitions in geriatric care and geriatric pharmacotherapy. The online platform offered opportunities for shared resources and participant feedback. Participants had exit interview surveys. Results. Participants evaluated the core content of the program as useful and relevant to their daily practice. One hundred percent of participants stated that both the online and in class content met their educational needs, and an average 85% of participants stated that they intend to make a practice change as a result of the program. Additionally, the participants rated the effectiveness of the teaching sessions, the faculty and the use of audio-visuals to be above average. The Interprofessional learning environment was favorably received. Online access and time availability were sited as possible barriers to learning. Conclusion. Health professionals from 4 disciplines, without formal geriatric training were able to enhance their knowledge of clinical geriatric care. In addition, these professionals are able to implement changes in their clinical practice and teach other health care professionals in their respective communities to improve care. IPGE can be a useful tool in improving geriatric care and provides a meaningful way to train different professionals at the same time, to address the shortage in geriatrics. More research is warranted to assess the full impact of IPGE programs.