Here are eight observations:
1. The program trains third-year residents in interactions with older adults, by emphasizing their specific needs.
2. Poor communication between physicians and patients can result in patient harm, complications and weak patient satisfaction.
3. Residents meet with a social worker trained in aging issues, who discusses the specific needs of elderly adults as well as teaches them effective communication skills.
4. The program also alerts residents of common elderly adult stereotypes.
5. Residents present on a musculoskeletal topic to about 30 older adults and then demonstrate specific exercises, as part of the program.
6. So far, 64 orthopedic surgery residents have completed the program between 2009 and 2015.
7. Based on surveys, residents’ mean knowledge scores about aging and older people increased from 57.3 to 72 following the program.
8. Of the 674 older adults who participated between 2009 and 2015, 96 percent reported the residents had shown sensitivity.
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