A model for integrating the assessment and management of geriatric syndromes into internal medicine continuity practice: 5-year report

A geriatric ambulatory curriculum was created to improve internal medicine residents’ care of geriatric patients. Second-year residents met for a 3-hour session weekly for 4 consecutive weeks during a block rotation with faculty geriatricians for a curriculum focused on dementia, falls, and urinary incontinence. After a 1-hour case-based didactic session, residents applied learned content and concepts to patient consultations. Consultative encounters were precepted by faculty and shared with the team. After completing our curriculum, residents reported knowledge acquired and enhanced evaluation and management skills of these three syndromes and were more likely to use all recommended screening tests in future practice. This article describes the process and strategies guiding development of a successful ambulatory geriatric curriculum model that can be embedded into preexisting internal medicine clinics to help future internists to better manage these and other common geriatric syndromes.