Citation

Taylor D, McCaffrey R, Reinoso H, Mathis MW, Dickerson L, Hamrick J, Madden SL, Heard HH, Perlow E, Klein CM. Gerontol. Geriatr. Educ. 2019; 40(1): 105-120.

Affiliation

Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy , Mercer University College of Pharmacy , Atlanta, GA , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02701960.2018.1530226

PMID

30321118

Abstract

An aging population benefits from healthcare providers trained in the care of older adults. Interprofessional education (IPE) and service-learning activities focused on geriatric conditions like falls may address this need. A fall prevention IPE activity using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) initiative was implemented to prepare health sciences students to manage older adult falls. Students (N = 31) and faculty (N = 10) from five health sciences programs and local older adults (N = 27) participated. Students were trained in STEADI and conducted a fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention activity with older adults using STEADI tools. We observed a statistically significant improvement in student knowledge of fall prevention and STEADI as assessed by pre and postactivity measures. Student surveys indicated improved understanding of the roles and responsibilities of participating disciplines, related to management of falls in older adults. The CDC's STEADI initiative may provide an effective framework and resources for fall prevention IPE activities and geriatric health sciences education.

Language: en

Keywords

Fall prevention; STEADI; interprofessional education; service-learning