Brown Medical School developed a comprehensive curriculum in which enriched aging content increased from 22 to 80 hours in preclerkship courses and was also added for clerkships, residencies, and nongeriatrician physicians. Innovative evaluation strategies are also described. Highlights include "treasure hunts" in the anatomy laboratory, a…

Many issues surrounding gerontological education need resolution: the shortage of qualified faculty members, particularly in professional schools; the role and organization of programs leading to gerontology degrees and other certification; the relationship of undergraduate and graduate programs; methods of integrating aging content into…

Outcomes of focus groups and telephone interviews of 403 gerontology providers identified training needs, logistics of delivery, and preferred delivery methods. Results were used to develop a framework for a multilevel curriculum to address the needs of three levels of trainees. (SK)

Three focus groups of service agency representatives, state administrators, and rural service providers in Georgia identified their needs for geriatrics training, and barriers to accessing training. Results underscored the need for coordinated continuing-education planning. (SK)

Examines survey data from a metropolitan community to investigate comparative rankings of needs of older persons by service providers and their elderly target population. Training in gerontology, serving elderly clients exclusively, and having direct contact with elderly clients as line staff were not predictors of knowledge of elderly needs.…

In a needs assessment of 84 rural health care professionals (44.1% physicians, 15.5% pharmacists, 14.3% nurses, 26.1% other), 39% considered their geriatrics knowledge above average. They were interested in learning more about Alzheimer's/dementia, medication use, and adverse effects. Preferred methods were videotapes, CD-ROM, and an…

Examines personnel needs for geriatric social workers, explores growing demand for geriatric social work practitioners, reviews argument for specialized training in geriatrics, and identifies number of social workers specializing in geriatrics. Discusses state of the art of geriatrics in social work education. Makes recommendations for increasing…

Professionals and paraprofessionals working in long term care facilities for institutionalized older people come from various educational backgrounds. To investigate the learning needs of long term care employees in gerontology, and to determine the validity of the Foundations for Gerontological Education Project as it relates to long term care…

This guide was prepared by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging to aid agencies concerned with aging in planning volunteer programs. This first of three booklets is intended for the agency director and staff. It contains information of use to staff in identifying program responsibilities, planning effective management of volunteer…

Describes a needs assessment model that offers practical suggestions to program planners in a multidisciplinary area of inquiry that is relatively new to continuing education in health sciences. (Available from University of California Press, Berkeley, CA 94720.) (Author/CT)

Triage is unique because it includes several functions under a single health care delivery model. Clients' morale improved with their sense of control. Family support systems were enhanced. Costs were reasonable as was the reimbursement system. (JAC)

To inform the development of educational programming designed to teach providers appropriate methods of exercise prescription for older adults, the authors conducted a survey of 177 physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (39% response rate). The survey was designed to better understand the prevalence of exercise prescriptions,…

Data gathered via questionnaires from 96 medical schools indicate that U.S. medical schools continue to assign a fairly low priority to the teaching of geriatrics. Only a few schools offer it as a separate subject, and almost none require it. (LBH)

Examined past efforts to improve the Indian elderly's quality of life, summarized mental health issues, critically reviewed relevant literature, and reported results from a needs assessment survey of Indian elderly. Journal availability: see RC 503 481. (DS)

Cost effectiveness of the program cannot be accurately determined. Assessment is based on actual self-care rather than proving poverty. A flexible approach is taken toward disability level and family support. States should keep community care flexible and available at acceptable cost. (JAC)