Geri Models of Care (MOC): An Immersive Preclerkship Curriculum Fostering Student Exploration of Residential Geriatric Models of Care

INTRODUCTION: Many older adults live in a community-based residential geriatric model of care (MOC; e.g., senior apartments, long-term care nursing facilities). While existing curricula focus on patient transitions to such care, none focus explicitly on MOC features, which are essential for creating effective care plans. We developed the Geriatric Models of Care (Geri MOC) curriculum to guide preclerkship medical students in comparing features of five MOCs. METHODS: On day 1 of the 2-day session, all second-year medical students spent half a day at different sites, interviewing administrators and touring facilities. On day 2, students debriefed and peer taught in small groups with peers who had visited different care models. Students applied their new knowledge to complex patient cases. Students completed retrospective pre/post self-assessments and offered qualitative feedback on the experience. A summative exam essay question assessed student knowledge application. RESULTS: From 2017 to 2019, 267 students gave the site visit experience a mean rating of 4.6 on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = poor, 5 = excellent). Students’ perceived confidence increased significantly (p < .001) for all four evaluated objectives. On the summative exam question, 89% of students passed. Students commented that the curriculum was a unique and effective learning approach, and 13 sites indicated a strong interest in ongoing annual participation. DISCUSSION: Community MOC visits were instructive and engaging for students and sites. The curricular materials are novel, adaptable for all levels of medical and health professions trainees, and adaptable for a virtual experience.