title: Gerontology and geriatrics in Dutch medical education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The world population is ageing and healthcare services require trained staff who can address the needs of older patients. In this study we determined how current medical education prepares Dutch students of medicine in the field of Gerontology and Geriatrics (G&G).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a checklist of the essentials of G&G, we assessed Dutch medical education on three levels. On the national level we analysed the latest National Blueprint for higher medical education (Raamplan artsopleiding 2009). On the faculty level we reviewed medical curricula on the basis of interviews with program directors and inspection of course materials. On the student level we assessed the topics addressed in the questions of the cross-institutional progress test (CIPT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The National Bluepr int contains few specific G&G objectives. Obligatory G&G courses in medical schools on average amount to 2.2% of the total curriculum measured as European Credit Transfer System units (ECTS). Only two out of eight medical schools have practical training during the Master phase in the form of a clerkship in G&G. In the CIPT, on average 1.5% of questions cover G&G.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Geriatric education in the Netherlands does not seem to be in line with current demographic trends. The National Blueprint falls short of providing sufficiently detailed objectives for education on the care of older people. The geriatric content offered by medical schools is varied and incomplete, and students are only marginally tested on their knowledge of G&G in the CIPT.
authors: Poortgebouw Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Tersmette
authors: D
authors: D
authors: van Bodegom
authors: D
authors: D
authors: van Heemst
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Stott
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Westendorp
mesh_terms: D004501:Education, Medical; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D000078329:Workforce