Interprofessional Geriatric Education: Nurse Practitioner and Occupational Therapy Students

Background: The Institute of Medicine has called for an increased emphasis on Geriatric and Interprofessional competencies among health care providers. The number of older adults in this country is growing exponentially. With the aging population, there is an increased prevalence of dementia. Dementia impacts many of the older adult’s functional domains, often resulting in increased caregiver burden and disruptive behaviors. Frequently inappropriate and dangerous medications are prescribed to address these disruptive behaviors. The Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) principles are a functional cognitive strategy which identifies the older adult’s functional cognition. The ACL principles can be used to develop effective interventions for older adults which emphasize their strengths, reduces caregiving burden, and decrease disruptive behaviors.

Methodology: The ACL principles were utilized in interprofessional educational activities with NP and OT students in caring for older adults with dementia. The NP students were initially oriented to the ACL principles by the OT faculty member. NP and OT students were brought together over two classroom sessions to collaboratively address older adult dementia clinical case studies utilizing the ACL principles. The students collaborated to evaluate the case studies and develop a plan of care to address behavioral symptoms of dementia and reduce caregiving burden. During their initial meeting NP and OT students discussed their perceptions of each other’s roles in addressing older adult dementia care

Analysis: This model of geriatric, interprofessional NP and OT education provides an effective, practical educational opportunity to address the needs of older adults with dementia. The NP and OT students were able to participate in interdisciplinary care planning for older adults.

Results: NP and OT students reported high satisfaction with this effective interprofessional, geriatric focused education module. The students reported how they could effectively collaborate with other interprofessional team members to successfully address the needs of older adults with dementia.