Medicine in Society Guide 2024/25

6. Themed Days

6.4. Day 4: The Older person

Preparatory work 

In preparation you should have: 

Watched this video from The GMC- Older Adults about top tips on communicating with the older patient. You should list down some of these and be ready to discuss them further on the day.

Reviewed NHS England’s key priorities for improving care for older people.

Aims 

To introduce you to the biomedical and social implications of ageing, the demographic changes in the population and the implications of this for health and social services. 

Learning Outcomes 

 By the end of the day, you should be able to: 

Recognise ageing as a natural, developmental process

Describe different ways that older people are regarded within different groups and communities

Describe the range of services, people and agencies that are involved in the support of the older patient in the local community

Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with an older patient (with suitable empathy, respect and interest)

Explain some of the implications for health and social services of an ageing population

 Example timetable 

9.30 – 10.30	Tutorial on ageing and health. Discuss some of the key points from the preparatory work.
10.30 – 10.45	Tea break
10.45 – 11.45	Prepare for patient encounters  Plan questions and observations    Visit to a local care home   Group interview with manager or staff member  Involvement in a care home ward round   Meet patients and interview in small groups
11.45 – 12.30	Group debrief about visit/patient encounters    Set up afternoon activity:  In small groups, students to research local facilities, groups and professionals providing services for older people and prepare brief presentation for group
12.30 – 13.30	Lunch
13.30 – 14.45	Student-led research    1:1 formative feedback meeting with GP tutor (for 4-6 students)    Includes tea break
14.45 – 16.00	Small group presentations & group discussion  Set homework for next session

Suggested Activities 

Tutorial on ‘ageing’ and health - could discuss students own experiences of ageing in their family/community, review practice population statistics, key health promotion areas for older people or review of recent ‘hot topic’ e.g.  Falls risk reduction amongst older adults.

Patient interviews – either observing healthcare professional or student-led

Visit to local care home or other residential or daycare facility for older people.

Watch this video on ageing populations and health care services by the WHO. Discuss in your groups what were the barriers and challenges to healthcare services in providing quality care? What were the solutions? Discuss with your tutors how these scenarios might look in general practice. Can you think of any creative or innovative new solutions?

Research local agencies or meet with a professional providing services for older people.

Meeting with GP tutor for formative feedback on progress to date with learning activities and on professional attitude and conduct.

Questions for you to consider 

Did the patient you met describe any benefits of being older?  Did anything surprise you?

Do you think ageism is an issue on our society and/or healthcare system? Have you seen any example of ageism personally or professionally?

You may have a meeting today with your tutor.  How are you finding the placement so far? How do you feel you are progressing?  Have you noticed any changes in yourself?  Do you feel comfortable in the group?  Do you feel comfortable meeting patients?