142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Accelerated Geriatrics Experience: A mentored self-study curriculum to enhance understanding of older clients with dementia

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014

Janis Campbell, PhD , Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Thomas Teasdale, DrPH , , College of Medicine, Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma CIty, OK
Sheryl Mapes, MPH , Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Jeanene Lindsey , Oklahoma Geriatric Education Center Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicin, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Objective: To describe development and implementation of an online mentored educational program about Alzheimer’s disease care.

Background: The Oklahoma AGE (Accelerated Geriatrics Experience) program was developed to provide an enhanced understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related caregiver issues for health care professionals and students. It is a component of the Oklahoma GEC training series for practitioners.

Methodology: AGE is a 40-hour certificate program designed to be completed in six months.  The curriculum is entirely self-learning and relies on distance education to accommodate learner schedules and locations. AGE participants are paired with an academic mentor from their geographic area who answers questions and tracks progress. The program is completed in six modules.  Three are syllabus based understanding Alzheimer’s disease, communicating with patients with dementia, and ensuring home safety. Two are experiential conduct a interview with an older individual and visit a facility serving older persons with cognitively impairment. The final module requires watching three webinars related to geriatric care. Continuing education is awarded in many disciplines.

Results: From December 2012 through January 2014, 99 individuals enrolled in the program.  Among those enrolled in the program 87% were female, 89% were from Oklahoma (1 international), and 81% were from rural areas.  Nursing disciplines accounted for 64% and 36% were employed at a hospital; other facilities represented included long-term care, home health care, college/university, and state government.

Conclusions: The program has been effective at enrolling participants for the pilot phase.  Retention and completion of the program are now areas of emphasis

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe the AGE program. Explain how the AGE program is reaching geriatric workforce in Oklahoma.

Keyword(s): Aging, Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the evaluator for AGE program. I worked on the development of the program.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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