12 research outputs found
EUROPEAN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE DEVELOPED USING AN INTERNATIONAL MODIFIED DELPHI TECHNIQUE
Introduction: the rise in the number of older, frail adults necessitates that future doctors are adequately trained in the skills of
geriatric medicine. Few countries have dedicated curricula in geriatric medicine at the undergraduate level. The aim of this
project was to develop a consensus among geriatricians on a curriculum with the minimal requirements that a medical student
should achieve by the end of medical school.
Methods: a modified Delphi process was used. First, educational experts and geriatricians proposed a set of learning objectives
based on a literature review. Second, three Delphi rounds involving a panel with 49 experts representing 29 countries
affiliated to the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) was used to gain consensus for a final curriculum.
Results: the number of disagreements following Delphi Rounds 1 and 2 were 81 and 53, respectively. Complete agreement
was reached following the third round. The final curriculum consisted of detailed objectives grouped under 10 overarching
learning outcomes.
Discussion: a consensus on the minimum requirements of geriatric learning objectives for medical students has been agreed
by European geriatricians. Major efforts will be needed to implement these requirements, given the large variation in the
quality of geriatric teaching in medical schools. This curriculum is a first step to help improve teaching of geriatrics in medical
schools, and will also serve as a basis for advancing postgraduate training in geriatrics across Europe