1840 Expanding undergraduate medical students' understanding of frailty

• Published in: Age and ageing Vol. 53; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Bellhouse, E, Maitland, R, Alexander, R, Colquhoun, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 22-01-2024; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Aging; Curricula; Dexterity; Frail; Frailty; Geriatrics; Gloves; Medical decision making; Medical education; Medical students; Older people; Patients; Prescription drugs; Visual impairment
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad246.044

Abstract
Introduction
In response to the recent publication of the new British Geriatrics Society undergraduate medical curriculum (1), the medical education department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary created a session focussing on frailty for medical students. The aim was to introduce the concept to students by exploring and expanding on their experiences of frailty.
Methods
We used a pedagogical approach in a 90-minute, small group session. The session was split into three activities; the first was a case of an older adult presenting acutely with urosepsis. The session dealt with acute treatment for frail patients including polypharmacy, collateral history taking, and consideration of patients wishes. The second activity presented the students with three patients with differing manifestations of frailty; students were asked to discuss the concept of ‘the dying process’, and how each patient requires different support. Finally, students were given a ‘frailty suit’ which included 'visual impairment glasses' and 'reduced dexterity gloves' then asked to complete several activities of daily living. This light hearted activity allowed students to experience reflect upon the effects of frailty.
Results
The session was delivered to 25 students, of which 16 provided feedback. Over 85% of students stated that the session was extremely relevant and well delivered on a Lirkart scale; comments included “...we don’t get taught about it enough in medicine”. Results highlight that students recognise the utility of frailty focussed sessions in medical education.
Conclusions
We show that students are aware of the gap in frailty curriculum and an interactive discussion focussed session is one way to enhance their understanding of frailty. We present details of the session, and further iterations of the project we hope to introduce during the upcoming academic year.
References
1. Grace M E Pearson et al. Age and Ageing 2023; Volume 52: 1–8.