Introduction
With the global population aging at an unprecedented rate, the demand for healthcare professionals well-versed in the unique needs of older adults is soaring. Yet, geriatric education remains underrepresented in many healthcare training programs. Building a geriatric education curriculum that engages learners is both an opportunity and a necessity to prepare the next generation of healthcare providers to care for the aging population with competence, empathy, and innovation.
This article outlines a step-by-step guide to designing an engaging geriatric curriculum, highlighting key principles, teaching strategies, and practical tools to ensure learners are inspired and equipped to meet the needs of older adults.
Why Focus on Engagement in Geriatric Education?
Older adults are not just patients—they are individuals with diverse backgrounds, unique challenges, and a wealth of life experiences. Teaching geriatrics requires more than lectures and textbooks; it demands active learning, reflection, and real-world application. Engaged learners are more likely to retain knowledge, develop critical thinking, and adopt a compassionate approach to care.
Step 1: Define Clear Learning Objectives
Start by identifying what you want your learners to know, do, and feel after completing the program. Good objectives are:
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Specific: E.g., “Learners will perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment.”
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Measurable: E.g., “Learners will identify and manage three common geriatric syndromes.”
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Aligned with needs: Consider your audience are they medical students, nurses, social workers, or caregivers?
Here’s an example of core learning objectives for a geriatric curriculum:
| Learning Domain | Objective | Example Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Understand the principles of geriatric medicine | Frailty, polypharmacy, falls risk |
| Skills | Perform a basic geriatric assessment | Cognition, mobility, nutrition |
| Attitudes | Demonstrate empathy and respect for older adults | Communication, cultural humility |
Step 2: Choose Active Learning Strategies
Engagement thrives when learners are active participants. Here are proven strategies for teaching geriatrics:
Case-Based Learning
Present realistic scenarios (e.g., a frail older adult with multiple comorbidities) and let learners discuss management approaches.
Simulation
Use role play, standardized patients, or virtual reality to teach complex topics like dementia care or falls assessment.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Geriatric care is a team sport. Involve students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work to foster collaboration.
Community-Based Projects
Encourage learners to interact with real older adults in their communities, fostering empathy and practical skills.
Reflection and Storytelling
Ask students to write reflective essays or share stories about older patients they have cared for.
Gamification
Introduce quizzes, competitions, or problem-solving games to make learning fun and memorable.
Step 3: Address Core Geriatric Topics
A robust curriculum should cover core geriatric competencies, such as:
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Geriatric syndromes (falls, incontinence, frailty, delirium)
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Polypharmacy and medication management
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Cognitive and functional assessment
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Communication skills (including with families and caregivers)
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Ethical and legal issues in aging
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End-of-life care and advance care planning
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Social determinants of health in aging
Here’s a sample table illustrating a curriculum overview:
| Module | Key Topics | Teaching Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Geriatrics | Aging physiology, ageism, healthy aging | Lectures, case studies |
| Geriatric Assessment | Functional, cognitive, and medication review | Simulation, skills lab |
| Geriatric Syndromes | Falls, incontinence, delirium, frailty | Problem-based learning, case discussions |
| Pharmacology in Aging | Polypharmacy, deprescribing, adverse effects | Interactive workshop, quizzes |
| Communication in Geriatrics | Breaking bad news, family meetings | Role-play, feedback sessions |
| Ethical & Legal Issues | Consent, capacity, elder abuse | Seminar, reflective writing |
Step 4: Incorporate Technology Thoughtfully
Technology can enhance engagement if used wisely. Consider:
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Virtual Patients: Simulated clinical cases accessible anytime, anywhere.
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Online Modules: Self-paced learning on topics like dementia care.
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Apps and Tools: Encourage learners to explore tools like the Beers Criteria or MOCA assessment.
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Telehealth Simulations: Teach learners how to deliver virtual care to older adults.
Step 5: Foster Empathy and Advocacy
Empathy is the heart of geriatrics. Build activities that challenge stereotypes and encourage advocacy:
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Host panel discussions with older adults sharing their stories.
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Organize advocacy projects addressing ageism, accessibility, or policy issues.
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Use narrative medicineask learners to write about an older adult who inspired them.
As Benjamin Franklin’s quote reminds us:
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Involvement is key to true learning, especially in geriatrics.
Step 6: Evaluate and Improve
No curriculum is complete without feedback. Regularly assess:
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Learner engagement (surveys, focus groups)
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Knowledge and skills (pre- and post-tests, practical exams)
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Impact on attitudes (reflection pieces, observed behaviors)
Use this data to refine your curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant, effective, and inspiring.
Conclusion
Designing a geriatric education curriculum that engages learners is both an art and a science. By defining clear objectives, choosing active learning strategies, covering core topics, integrating technology, and fostering empathy, you can prepare healthcare professionals to care for older adults with confidence and compassion.
The future of healthcare depends on our ability to care for an aging world and that starts with education. Let’s build learning experiences that not only inform, but inspire.
Read more: GEMS
