1 Older person awareness team simulation (OATS). (17th November 2016) - Imam, T
Abstract : Background/context: Despite an increasing age of patients in hospitals, there is a lack of simulation training to address managing this cohort. A multidisciplinary approach is a cornerstone of elderly care medicine. The aim of the course is to allow mixed discipline multi-professional groups to explore and experience the complexities of elderly care from the perspective of different professional groups. Methodology: Junior doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nursing staff will learn about managing older patients through simulated scenarios, case based discussions and the use of a unique geriatric simulation suit. This suit allows the wearers to feel a variety of impairments that may limit their treatment of the older generation. The topics covered include curriculum mapped key areas of Geriatric medicine. The faculty will consist of a multidisciplinary team of consultants, registrars, specialist nurses, dieticians, therapists to ensure the learning is tailored to the audience. Results/outcomes: Pre and post course questionnaires will be used to assess the course. The feedback is expected to show that simulation across multiple disciplines and in geriatrics is uncommon and cultivates greater team working and cohesion across disciplines. Questionnaires should identify that there is a skills gap when managing and delivering co-ordinated care to elderly patients as a multidisciplinary team, which has been developed by our course. Potential impact: A key theme of the session is to gain an understanding of the multidisciplinary team's roles and of being frail by using the simulation suit. As training is not organised across disciplines this format allows the team to gain a greater understanding of each other's perspectives in managing the elderly. This will help to participants to move away from the traditional models of care and concentrate on collaborative co-ordinated working appropriate for the needs of future patients.