Walking a mile in Grandma’s shoes - medical students’ evaluation of a very simple online aging game to enhance their understanding of older patients

Abstract

Background Aging simulation games are established educational interventions to make older patients’ perspectives noticeable, raise awareness about their needs, and positively influence attitudes toward older adults. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions imposed on education, we replaced a classroom-based aging simulation course with a simple online equivalent. This consisted of short introductory screencasts, four downloadable Portable Document Format (PDF) files containing issue-specific audio and video links, quizzes, case studies, and prompts for reflection. We explored how well our self-directed simple online simulation succeeded in providing students with relevant insights and experiences, raising awareness about age-related difficulties, and enhancing understanding of older patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous post hoc online survey was conducted among 277 5th-year medical students eligible for the course at the Leipzig University in May 2020. The questionnaire addressed overall course evaluations, assessments of the individual PDF components (working enjoyment, personal insights, professional learning gain, enhanced understanding, increased interest in working with older patients), and students’ main insights from the course (free text). Descriptive statistical and qualitative content analyses were performed. Results The response rate was 92.4% (n = 256, mean age 25.7 ± 3.4 years, 59.8% women). Nearly all respondents reported that the course was well structured, easily understandable, and that processing was intuitive. The majority (82.8%) perceived the course as practice-oriented, 88.3% enjoyed processing, 60.3% reported having gained new professional knowledge, and 75.4% had new personal insights. While only 14.8% agreed that the online course could generally replace the real-world simulation, 71.1% stated that it enabled them to change their perspective and 91.7% reported enhanced understanding of older patients. PDF components containing audio and video links directly imitating conditions (visual or hearing impairment) were rated highest. Qualitative data revealed manifold insights on the part of the students, most frequently referring to aspects of professional doctor-patient interaction, knowledge about conditions and diseases, role reversal, and enhanced empathy. Conclusion Simple online aging simulations may be suitable to provide students with relevant insights and enhance their understanding of older patients. Such simulations could be alternatively implemented in health professionals’ education where resources are limited.