Communicating with Older Persons

Communicating with Older Persons
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Product ID: 18732

Abstract: 
This is a course designed for second year medical students to improve communication between medical professionals and older persons, particularly in the areas of safe medication prescribing and end-of-life discussions. The course meets 3 hours per week in small group, has interactive sessions and home visits with older persons over a 10 week period. Faculty includes 1 geriatrician for 15 medical students. Handouts are video and instructional aids for the sessions. Students complete journal entries in response to structured questions and assignments.

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Educational objectives: 
1. To improve communication between students and older persons, particularly in the areas of safe medication prescribing and end-of-life discussions 2. To promote comfort and skills in home visits Upon completion of the course, learners should be able to: 1. Identify at least 2 physician attributes considered desirable by older adults. 2. Identify several approaches to communication between older adults and physicians that will enhance accurate exchange of key information (e.g., during history and physical examinations), adherence to health recommendations, and personal satisfaction with the relationship. 3. Conduct a structured interview to obtain a values history from an older person. 4. Conduct a comprehensive home review of medications.
Additional information/Special implementation requirements or guidelines: 
This exercise is best used in a classroom and/or home visit environment.
Date posted: 
Mon, 12/04/2006
Date last updated: 
Mon, 12/04/2006
CME credits available: 
No
Has this product been peer reviewed?: 
No
Learning resource types: 
Contact person/corresponding author: 
Gail Sullivan (gsullivan@nso1.uchc.edu)
Authors: 
Gail Sullivan
NLM Citation:
Sullivan, G. Communicating with Older Persons. POGOe - Portal of Geriatric Online Education; 2006 Available from: http://www.pogoe.org/productid/18732
APA Citation:
Sullivan, G. (2006). Communicating with Older Persons. POGOe - Portal of Geriatric Online Education. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from http://www.pogoe.org/productid/18732