Journal of Psychiatry

Communication skills training for orthopedic surgical residents: learning to relate to the needs of older adults

International Conference on Psychiatric & Geriatrics Nursing and Stroke

November 19-20, 2018 | Paris, France

Linda Roberts,Charles Cornell, Mathias Bostrom, Sandra Goldsmith, Titilayo Ologhobo, Timothy Roberts and Laura Robbins

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: It is vital for physicians and surgeons to communicate successfully with older adults, who often perceive themselves as stigmatized and powerless in healthcare settings. Communication with older adults is complicated by age-related issues (such as cognitive decline) as well as negative stereotypes about older adults and aging, which are an occupational hazard for healthcare workers, who encounter the most vulnerable elderly. Successful patient communication leads to better recall of information, compliance, adherence to medications, satisfaction, and overall better outcomes. Methodology: At Hospital for Special Surgery, in NYC, we developed a two-part training program (ongoing for 8 years) comprised of: 1) small-group interactive didactic sessions on aging issues; and 2) workshop demonstrations given by the residents to a group of older adults, followed by a question and answer session. Residents were assessed using a 22-item pre???post questionnaire covering medical knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, and personal anxiety about aging. Older adult participants were surveyed for perceptions of residents??? sensitivity toward them. Seventy (70) PGY3 residents, for whom the program is a requirement, and 711 older adult participants, participated over 8 years. Results: Older adult participants: Of 711 participants, 648 (91%) responded; 96% strongly agreed/agreed that the residents had demonstrated sensitivity toward them. Residents: Of 70 residents, 35 (50%) were assessed. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly (p???0.001); five of nine attitude items (p???0.05) and one of four anxiety items improved significantly (p???0.001). Conclusions: In addition to significant increase in knowledge scores, significant change was seen in residents??? attitudes and anxiety levels toward older adults, attributes that are usually deep seated and hard to change. Our program enables residents to learn and realistically practice universal underlying communication skills in order to maintain effective and sensitive communication with this vulnerable population. Further research is needed to evaluate if this training program is replicable to other specialty resident programs.

Biography :

Linda Roberts received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and her Master’s degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She is the Assistant Manager of the Greenberg Academy for Successful Living, Hospital for Special Surgery. She has presented at national conventions as well as local organizations reaching a wide variety of professional and public audience.

E-mail: lindaroberts18@yahoo.com