INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the feasibility of a one-hour session to ensure competency in gait and falls risk assessment for medical students at our institution.
METHODS: The session included a history and exam with faculty and staff as standardized patients, gait recognition videos, and case evaluation for falls risk assessment and prevention. Student perceptions were evaluated using a retrospective pre-post survey, scored on a five-point Likert scale. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess change and Kruskal Wallis tests to analyze differences by residency choice.
RESULTS: A range of 5-11 faculty and staff certified 238 medical students during eight one-hour sessions. Overall self-perception of competence in falls risk assessment and prevention improved (p = < 0.001), and did not differ by residency choice, both before and after the training program (p = 0.73 and p = 0.25). Feedback was positive.
DISCUSSION: This session is a feasible way to teach and assess the competency for falls risk assessment with modest time commitment.