Geriatric education utilizing a palliative care framework

ABSTRACT

The dramatic growth of persons older than age 65 and the increased incidence of multiple, chronic illness has resulted in the need for more comprehensive health care. Geriatrics and palliative care are medical specialties pertinent to individuals who are elderly, yet neither completely addresses the needs of older adults with chronic illness. Interprofessional faculty developed Geriatric Education Utilizing a Palliative Care Framework (GEPaC) to teach an integrated approach to care. Interactive online modules use a variety of instructional methods, including case-based interactive questions, audio-visual presentations, reflective questions, and scenario-based tests. Modules are designed for online education and/or traditional classroom and have been approved for Continuing Medical Education. Pre- and posttest scores showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Participants were highly satisfied with the coursework’s relevance and usefulness for their practice and believed that GEPaC prepared them to address the needs of older adults for disease and symptom management, communicating goals of care, and supportive/compassionate care.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic illness
• geriatrics
• interprofessional collaboration
• palliative care
• person-centered care
• quality of life
• suffering

Acknowledgments

The authors want to acknowledge the following faculty and scholars who contributed to the development of the GEPaC modules:

• Cheryl Arenella MD, MPH, Health Care Consultant, The Corridor Group

• Jacqueline Barnett, MSHS, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW

• Philip Blatt, PT, PhD, NCS; Adjunct Instructor, Department of Physical Therapy and Health Care Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW

• Elizabeth Cobbs, MD; Chief of Geriatrics & Extended Care, Washington DC VAMC & Professor of Medicine, GW

• Mary Corcoran, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Dean for Faculty Development for Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW

• Laurie Lyons, MA, Director of Instructional Technology and Design of Health Sciences Programs, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW

• Paul Tschudi, Ed.S, MA, LPC, Lecturer, Graduate School of Education and Human Development; Military Advisor and Counselor, School of Nursing, GW

Funding

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 5-D62-10-001 Geriatric Education Utilizing a Palliative Care Framework, $500,000. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 5-D62-10-001 Geriatric Education Utilizing a Palliative Care Framework, $500,000. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.