MedEdPORTAL (Jan 2005)
The Senior Moments, Volume 1
Abstract
Abstract Introduction This set of cases aims to teach residents how to better care for the elderly by providing generalist faculty with an evidence-based set of case-based geriatric teaching guides for use in their daily interactions with residents. This resource contains a number of cases related to the care of elderly patients experiencing the following conditions: anemia, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disease, osteoarthritis, peripheral vascular disease, upper respiratory infection, and valvular heart disease. Methods Each case is a self-contained educational tool in an unfolding case format requiring minimal advance preparation by the teacher and best used in small-group discussions or self-study. Each case contains a learner and instructor version with the following elements: (1) an introduction that frames the primary topic, (2) discussion of relevant ACGME competencies and explanations, (3) a case presentation of a patient presenting with a condition in an ambulatory clinic followed by discussion questions, (4) a reference article to be read before or during the case, and (5) a list of additional references for further reading. Results In a satisfaction survey of internal medicine residents who have used this resource, 99% felt the cases would improve their care for elderly patients. A structured interview with the faculty revealed that the faculty are enthusiastic about the cases, with feedback stating that semi-structured format for ambulatory teaching is "interactive" and "easily addresses ACGME and geriatric specific competencies." Discussion This resource is helpful to provide a geriatric focus to an existing curriculum and is administratively easier to use compared to initiating a separate curriculum. Explicit recognition of ACGME competencies highlighted in the cases further enhances their usefulness.
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