Evaluation of a blended learning model in geriatric medicine: A successful learning experience for medical students
Australasian Journal on Ageing
Published online on October 17, 2012
Abstract
Background
Despite the increasingly ageing population, teaching geriatric medicine at medical schools is a challenge due to the particularities of this subspecialty and the lack of student interest in this subject.
Methods
We assessed a blended system that combines e‐learning and person‐to‐person interaction. Our program offered the students a hands‐on learning experience based on self‐reflection, access to technology, interactive learning, frequent interaction with the multidisciplinary team, more exposure to patients, and regular feedback.
Results
Our results indicate that the students appreciate this system as a rich and effective learning experience demonstrated by their positive feedback and by their significant improvement in knowledge assessed at the end of their rotation.
Conclusion
Implementing an interactive blended system is a beneficial approach to teaching geriatric medicine in medical schools and to motivating medical students' interest in this important medical subspecialty.