Geriatrics Knowledge and Attitudes Among Medical Students
Author Information
Author(s): Rangan Apoorva, Shavit Yochai, Kado Deborah
Primary Institution: Stanford University
Hypothesis
Graduating medical students' performance on a geriatrics knowledge test is associated with their attitudes towards older patients.
Conclusion
Graduating medical students did not meet minimum geriatrics competencies, and their attitudes towards older adults were linked to their performance on the knowledge assessment.
Supporting Evidence
- 30 of the 82 graduating students completed the survey.
- Most students incorrectly completed at least half of the knowledge assessment.
- Attitude scores were moderately associated with improved performance on the knowledge assessment.
Takeaway
Medical students don't know enough about geriatrics, but how they feel about older people can affect how well they do on tests about it.
Methodology
Students completed a three-part survey assessing geriatrics knowledge and attitudes.
Limitations
Geriatrics exposure among students was limited, with few taking relevant electives.
Participant Demographics
Graduating medical students from Stanford School of Medicine.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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