title: Effects of a geriatrics interdisciplinary experience on learners' knowledge and attitudes.
abstract: This study examines the impact of an interdisciplinary training program on knowledge and attitudes of learners from four health care programs: medicine, pharmacy, social work, and nursing. Sixty-two learners participated in a 4-day educational program (one day each week for 4 weeks) focusing on interdisciplinary geriatric care. After completing the program, learner scores improved on a knowledge test and two attitudinal subscales, and they reported a positive training experience. A short-term interdisciplinary educational intervention can have an impact on learners' knowledge of and attitudes toward older adults, and improve their understanding and confidence in participating in an interdisciplinary collaborative care team.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, The Towsley Center, Room 1107, Box 0201, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0201, USA. tfitz@umich.edu
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Brent C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Halter
authors.forename: Tami L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Remington
authors.forename: Mariko A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Foulk
authors.forename: Neal W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Persky
authors.forename: Barbara R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Shay
mesh_terms: D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team