Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of participation in the Geriatric Medication Game on pharmacy students’ (1) perceptions of and attitudes toward older adults and (2) familiarity with common disabilities and the process of seeking healthcare.

Design: In the Game, first professional year students “became” older adults during a three hour pharmacy practice laboratory. They were given aging-related challenges (e.g., impaired vision or mobility) and participated as patients in simulated healthcare scenarios, such as a physician’s office and pharmacy.

Assessment: After the Game, students completed a five question reflection about their experiences and attitudes towards older adults. Content analysis was performed to identify themes from four years of student (n=625) reflections. Predominant themes included: improved attitudes toward older adults, better understanding of patient experiences, and increased willingness to provide assistance.

Conclusions: Incorporating The Geriatric Medication Game into the pharmacy curriculum may facilitate students’ understanding of the challenges older adults face and improve future interactions.

Comments

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: Chen, Aleda M. H.; Plake, K. S.; Yehle, K. S.; and Kiersma, M. E., "Impact of the Geriatric Medication Game on Pharmacy Students' Attitudes Toward Older Adults" (2011). Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications. Paper 9, which has been published in final form at 10.5688/ajpe758158.

Keywords

Attitudes, Pharmacy Education, Geriatrics, Assessment

Date of this Version

8-2011

DOI

10.5688/ajpe758158

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