HANDS AND HEALTH AT HOME: THE IMPACT OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING ON STUDENTS’ PREHEALTH COMPETENCIES
2024

Impact of Intergenerational Service-Learning on Pre-Health Students

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Schwartz Anna, Cook Rachel Logue, Vanderlaan Courtney, Brown Susan

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the impact of an intergenerational hand-training program on pre-health students' competencies.

Conclusion

The intergenerational service-learning program improved students' attitudes and self-efficacy while providing valuable experience.

Supporting Evidence

  • Students' scores on the Geriatric Attitudes Scale and Coping Self-Efficacy Scale significantly improved after the program.
  • Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, indicating high satisfaction with the program.
  • Students reported learning important skills such as communication, teamwork, and compassion.

Takeaway

Students helped older adults with hand exercises and learned important skills, making them better prepared for healthcare jobs.

Methodology

Students delivered hand-based exercises to homebound older adults twice a week for 8 weeks and completed various assessments.

Participant Demographics

Upper level and graduate pre-health students from the University of Michigan.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0173

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication