The rise in older population in Ghana is accompanied by challenges that may require trained professionals with specialized knowledge in geriatrics and gerontology to help address. Research, however, points to an existing shortage of geriatric-trained professionals in Ghana; a problem that can be addressed with the education and training of…

Quality assurance (QA) in gerontological and geriatric education programs is regarded as essential to maintain standards, strengthen accountability, improve readability of qualifications, and facilitate professional mobility. In this article the authors present a summary of international developments in QA and elaborate four international trends,…

To meet the special needs of and provide quality health care to nursing home residents, the health care workforce must be knowledgeable about the aging process. Health professionals are minimally prepared in their academic programs to care for older adults, and few programs have required rotations in geriatrics. Teaching nursing homes (TNHs) have…

Discusses six major themes in geriatric supervision with a focus on the impact of geriatric work on new trainees. Emphasis is placed on recommended supervisory interventions and specific areas within geriatric mental health work where difficulties may arise. (BH)

Since 1988, a special interest group in geriatrics has provided students at Mount Sinai School of Medicine a forum for pursuing research interests, networking, and interacting with faculty. Such groups foster interest in careers in geriatric medicine. (SK)

Despite growing need, geriatrics education has been slow to develop in higher education. Much of it is conducted in informal frameworks--for example, a study center of a national service organization for the elderly in Israel and a geriatrics institute in a hospital. Both formal and informal programs are needed. (SK)

A national study of geriatrics in baccalaureate nursing programs (n=480) found that gerontological content was integrated in 63%; stand-alone courses were typically electives for nursing students. Full integration of geriatric content into nursing programs was recommended. (JOW)

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…

Survey responses from departments of recreation and leisure studies (2000, n=66; 1991, n=81; 1981, n=97) indicated that 61% currently offer gerontology credentials, a slight decline since 1990. Combined undergraduate/graduate courses have increased; separate gerontology options are rare. Despite predictions of population aging, there has been…

In a geriatrics course 15 undergraduates participated in problem-based tutorials on interprofessional health-care teamwork during clinical placement. Compared with 15 controls, the experimental group showed significantly greater knowledge but no difference in perceptions of interprofessional functions. (SK)

Third-year medical students (n=67) conducted structured functional assessments of elderly patients and completed diagnostic/therapeutic plans. Students averaged seven problems and four recommendations per patient. Significant increases in their knowledge of and comfort with comprehensive geriatric assessment were found. (Contains 25 references.)…

Discusses the following: barriers to geriatrics education, teaching strategies (such as communication with patients, acceptance of one's own aging, interdisciplinary teamwork), and curriculum design for undergraduate and graduate study. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

The goals of the work study project: Services to the Aging conducted at the University of Denver, were: (1) to sensitize the undergraduate students participating in it in their understanding of the role and functioning of older people in a changing social structure; and (2) through a field work and academic program, to acquaint students with the…

Examines geriatric health teams, discussing four dimensions of models for professional functioning (logic of assessment, focus of efforts, locus of responsibility, and pace of action) and three dimensions of models for team functioning (focus of attention, decision-making style, and beliefs about interprofessional dependence). (Author/NB)

A survey of the 60 American dental schools was conducted to determine the extent of existing and planned programs in geriatric dentistry. All respondents indicated that they either conduct a gerontology program or plan to conduct one in the future; various educational approaches were reported. (MLW)