Ageist No More: Interprofessional Training for Undergraduate Healthcare Students

Abstract

Ageism seeps deep into our society, whether in law, policies, or healthcare practices it segregates individuals based on their age. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of an educational strategy in ageist attitudes against older adults in healthcare undergraduate students. A five-week intervention: Healthy environments and self-care for the older adults was implemented. To assess the impact of this strategy in ageist attitudes in participants, a simulated consultation with an older adult was conducted. Participants’ perspectives on the experience were collected using an online survey. One hundred and thirty-eight undergraduate students from health programs were included. They highlighted growth in the understanding of the normal aging process and the prejudices that surround aging. During the role-play activity, participants identified communication, empathy, and professionalism as the abilities developed with this strategy and the need to show empathy and avoid prejudice against older adults in their clinical interactions. Educational interventions are a great tool to promote cultural changes, diminish prejudices and misconceptions of ageism in future healthcare professionals.

Virtual global classroom: Multicultural experience from home

“…The learning unit focuses on the ageing process, healthy ageing, comprehensive care for older adults, integrated care and psychological and quality care for older adults. 1 Students from programmes in medicine, psychology, odontology, nutrition and occupational therapy signed up voluntarily to be part of the learning experience. The activities took place in a virtual environment where 42 students and four educators (three from Chile and one from Mexico) had synchronous and asynchronous interactions.…”

“…During a 5‐week long experience, students from two universities (Chile and Mexico) focused on designing healthy environments for older adults as part of the learning goals. The learning unit focuses on the ageing process, healthy ageing, comprehensive care for older adults, integrated care and psychological and quality care for older adults 1 . Students from programmes in medicine, psychology, odontology, nutrition and occupational therapy signed up voluntarily to be part of the learning experience.…”