Undergraduate Educational Objectives:
General Objectives
The student will be exposed throughout the undergraduate medical program
to a wide spectrum of health and illness within the senior population.
An emphasis will be placed on the differences between normal and
abnormal aging. A variety of exposure sites will be utilized including
the community, assessment and rehabilitation services, long term care
facilities and ambulatory services.
Specific Objectives
1.Knowledge
The student will be able to:
a) appreciate the various parameters involved in aged and aging individuals including:
- Physiologic factors,
- Psychological factors,
- Psychosocial factors,
b) distinguish between normal aging and the diseases of aging,
c) demonstrate knowledge of the health care system and the role of community resources in the support of the older adult,
d) describe the principles of geriatric assessment,
e) understand the principles of geriatric team work,
f) demonstrate an understanding of the changes that occur in pharmacological responses with aging, and
g) describe the following common medical problems of the elderly: falls; immobility; delirium; dementia; incontinence; and depression.
2. Attitudes toward aging
The student will be encouraged to develop a positive attitude to aging
by exposure to seniors in a variety of settings and will:
a) understand the diversity and complexity of older adults,
b) demonstrate an awareness of the importance of health promotion and maintenance,
c) act as an advocate of the right of the older adult to freedom of choice, and
d) demonstrate sensitivity to the biophysical, psychological and socioeconomic factors that influence the experience of aging.
3. Examination and interviewing skills
The student will learn and practise examination interviewing skills
essential for the accurate examination of the geriatric patient, as well
as the mental status examination. This will include the ability to:
a) formulate a problem list with identification of predisposing and precipitating factors based on gathering data,
b) establish patient-centred goals aimed at the older adult,
c) implement an appropriate plan of treatment and/or recommendations concerning care in various settings,
d) use interpersonal communication skills designed to enhance care of the older adult,
e) function collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team involved in geriatric assessment and treatment, and
f) assess the rehabilitation potential of elderly patients with chronic disease.
Methods of achieving objectives
The learning objectives will be met by:
- exposure within small and large group sessions on normal and abnormal aging, socio-economic fcaors in aging, assessment of the frail ill elderly and common geriatric problems including falls, delirium, dementia, depression, incontinence, polypharmacy and elderl abuse
- interactive tutorials on health and community services relating to the elderly,
- use of case scenarios to illustrate the complex biomedical and psychosocial issues of geriatrics,
- exposure to geriatric clinical sites including the inpatient units, day hospital, clinical and geriatric community outreach assessment team, and acute care consult team,
- completion of comprehensive geriatric assessments including: longitudinal follow up during the rotation; attendance at rounds; participation in multidisciplinary conferences; observing multidisciplinary assessments,
- exposure to positive physician role models,
- exposure to health care teams where the student will be exposed to and work with a wide-range of health professionals. The merits of various health care team models will be demonstrated.
- educational academic activities including access to computer and www-based resources, structured reading and self-directed problem-solving activities.