“Caring for Junior” - A Problem-Based Learning Case

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Epidemiological studies suggest that as many as 45% of adults 85 years or older have cognitive impairment. To help prepare our first-year medical students to work with this population, we created this problem-based learning case. Methods The case follows our patient, Junior, from initial presentation in the outpatient clinic, through an acute hospitalization, and finally to discharge to an assisted living facility. The case, at our institution, unfolds over 3 weeks but is adaptable to many formats, typically with groups of 8 students meeting for 90 minutes. The case touches many aspects of the care of older patients including functional assessment, cognitive evaluation, appropriate medication use, falls, and sites of care. Results This case has been highly successful; it is now in the fourth year of continuous use. A student-generated learning issue analysis has confirmed that the issues the case was designed to teach are being identified and researched by the students. Discussion The case materials are designed for easy use by group preceptors who are not geriatricians.

Keywords

• Dementia
• Depression
• Antidepressive Agents
• Falls
• Accidental