Introduction to Geriatric Assessments: Geriatrics and Aging through Transitional Environments (GATE) Curriculum for MS2
University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine
"Introduction to Geriatric Assessments" teaches second year medical students the fundamentals of a geriatric assessment through a 45 min. lecture and 6 simulated patient encounters followed by a 360 degree evaluation by student, preceptor and simulated patient (SP). The SP encounters involve administering common geriatric screening tests and address: depression (GDS), communicating with a caregiver (dementia), assessing physical function (gait assessment), assessing cognition (MMSE), health literacy and initiating an advance directives discussion. Students' clinical skills and discreet interviewing skills are assessed. Materials provided here include: a facilitator's guide, lecture slides with speaker's notes, a pocket reference card, and SP case information and instructions, door charts and evaluation instruments corresponding to each patient case.
The Case Instructions are available to verified faculty members upon request according to our Restricted Access Policy. If interested, please send an email to[email protected].
Following "Introduction to Geriatric Assessments," second year medical students will be able to:
- recognize and utilize screening tools for the assessment of common geriatric syndromes.
- demonstrate appropriate communication skills for interviewing a geriatric patient and/or caregiver.
This curriculum is part of GATE ("Geriatrics and Aging through Transitional Environments"), a longitudinal, competency-based curriculum for medical students, and was piloted in 2010 at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. The M1 curriculum teaches students how to obtain a functional history and understand independent living and assisted living environments. The M3 curriculum addresses geriatric care in the hospital, and M4 training examines care in the nursing home setting. GATE includes a comprehensive and integrated evaluation process measuring knowledge, attitudes and skills. GATE for M3 and M4 incorporates supplemental materials available on POGOe and developed by other Reynolds grantee institutions.