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Teaching and learning geriatric medicine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2011

Inder Singh  and
Ruth E Hubbard
Inder Singh*
Affiliation:
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Wales, UK
Ruth E Hubbard
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Inder Singh, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penarth CF64 2XX, UK. Email: [email protected]
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Summary

Populations throughout the world are ageing, with the oldest old the most rapidly growing segment of society. Caring for this ageing population, some of whom have multiple chronic and disabling diseases, will be challenging to healthcare systems. Current training programmes are generating relatively low numbers of geriatricians, largely because students and residents lack interest in a career in geriatric medicine. Therefore, specialists in geriatric medicine cannot directly provide care for all older people. There is a responsibility to ensure that successful practices and essential skills are shared.

Here we explore negative attitudes towards geriatric medicine and contrast these with factors motivating change. Educational theories are discussed to investigate how processes of learning and the personal development of students can be optimized. An understanding of geriatric medicine is important for undergraduates, postgraduate trainees in geriatric medicine, general practitioners and allied health professionals. The different challenges presented by each group are reviewed, accompanied by recommendations to enhance learning and examples of effective teaching practices.

Keywords

geriatric medicinemedical educationmedical student teachingpostgraduate training
Type
Education and training
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , May 2011 , pp. 180 - 192
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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