Introducing residents to geroneuropsychology in one day: an enriched curriculum

Anne Dull Baird^1,2, Susanne Wickie², Susan MacNeill³, Sara R Friedman⁴, Julia Fitzgerald Smith²

¹University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; ²Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; ³Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; ⁴No current affiliation

Abstract: We used the technology and principles of adult learning to enhance a one-day geroneuropsychology rotation for internal medicine residents in a busy neuropsychology clinic. We created a multimedia Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation highlighting the role of neuropsychology in the medical care of older adults. We added an active learning experience in which the resident administered a screening tool. Finally, we incorporated a video-recording of the resident’s administration in the feedback session. We evaluated the effectiveness of these innovations by assessing change in performance on an objective test administered at the beginning and end of the rotation day and by analyzing residents’ ratings of the rotation. Objective testing showed significant learning regardless of level of curriculum enrichment. However, residents’ ratings generally rose as we added enhancements. These results suggest that health care professionals without technical training can devise effective setting-specific, computer-delivered educational programs. These techniques show promise for boosting learning in clinical settings without lengthening the rotation or increasing direct supervisor contact.

Keywords: medical education, geriatrics, neuropsychology