Abstract
Introduction
As the UK population ages, the demand for effective geriatric care continues to grow. Discussions amongst resident doctors highlighted that they often feel underprepared in managing older adults with frailty and multiple comorbidities. This quality improvement project aimed to improve confidence in managing complex geriatric topics through an online teaching programme, The Comprehensive Geriatric Lecture Series, targeted towards final-year medical students and foundation doctors. Topics covered included Stroke, Mind, Falls, Medications, Frailty, Orthogeriatrics, and Matters Most (treatment escalation planning).
Methodology
Over four months, seven virtual teaching sessions were delivered by internal medical trainees and geriatric registrars. Three PDSA cycles were conducted: Cycle 1 focused on multiple-choice questions (MCQs); Cycle 2 introduced case-based discussions (CBDs); Cycle 3 incorporated interactive tools such as Slido and Mentimeter. Data on learner engagement and confidence were collected through post-session feedback forms and used to guide each subsequent cycle.
Results
The average attendance per session was 28. All sessions led to increased confidence in the respective topic, regardless of teaching format. No clear correlation was found between the teaching method and the degree of improvement. Both the ‘Stroke’ lecture (MCQs) and the ‘Frailty’ lecture (CBDs and Slido) showed a 60% confidence increase. Live sessions yielded greater confidence gains than recorded ones—for example, the ‘Medications’ lecture reflected a 50% increase live vs. 29% recorded. Qualitative feedback from each session included requests for UKMLA-style questions, highlighting learner interest in exam-style content.
Conclusion
This quality improvement project highlighted a clear demand for more education on topics related to the care of older patients. The teaching sessions effectively improved learners’ confidence, particularly when delivered live. Moving forward, we aim to enhance engagement further by incorporating more interactive formats, such as simulation-based learning focused on complex conversations with patients and families.
Comments
Useful project in…
Useful project in highlighting the need for increased education, particularly in those trainee's who may not have rotated through a geriatric speciality placement.