Demonstrated ability in medical decision-making for elderly patients, incorporating medical assessment as well as patient values and preferences. Skill in the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic multiple illnesses in elderly patients. Skill in medical management of patients in coordination of care between ambulatory settings and long-term care, including home care, nursing homes, and hospice care. Since health care for older patients is provided in a wide range of settings, the resident should receive training experiences in a variety of sites. Training experiences can often be arranged with local visiting nurse organizations, hospice programs, day hospitals, home care programs, or rehabilitation facilities.
Nursing homes provide an important location for educational activities.
Ambulatory care settings for geriatric patients should be included in the training program as well. These settings all lend themselves to interdisciplinary work and can provide the opportunity for residents to both observe and function in the role of team coordinator. Geriatric education can be integrated into the existing curriculum with minimal disruption of other experiences. Or preferably, clinical experiences in an outpatient and nursing home setting can be one-half or one day per week over an extended period of time. It can partly be accomplished through the use of lectures and discussions which are incorporated into the existing conference schedule for the house officers.