Teaching Program for laymen and experts for neighborhood-based offers to elderly people living alone

Abstract

Abstract Background For multimorbid very old people who are living alone, care networks are needed to ensure continuous and coordinated care across the sectors. Objectives The GeriNeTrainer (trainer in a geriatric network) is intended to preserve the day-to-day competences of elderly and to reduce the prevailing regional lack of help. Which content and structural aspects must include an educational concept that is aimed equally at laymen and experts (e g physiotherapists, nurses) and can be implemented sustainably? The competence profile was developed by an interprofessional staff of experts. According to the literature review, they rated the CanMeds role concept as the most relevant and suitable framework with regard to the holistic approach to care. Therefore, the teaching curriculum was developed based on this. Results Depending on the level of knowledge, interested laymen or experts enter the evident curriculum. The team of lecturers consists of physiotherapists, social workers, physicians, sports scientists, psychologists and speech therapists. As teaching and learning methods were defined: lectures, seminars, exercises, caseworks as well as compulsory homeworking in best practice facilities. The interprofessional imparting of knowledge as well as the exchange of experience between the individual occupational groups as well as the methodical inclusion of the perspective of laymen were evaluated as particularly beneficial and innovative. For sustainability, the certified graduates are supervised. Observation, a case study based on this, an electronic platform (Moodle) and annual conferences and symposia enable regular and practice-oriented communication and quality assurance in the sense of the continuous improvement process. Conclusions The graduates are connecting patient home with the health facilities. Increased professional, social and emotional competence in the quarter have positive effects of elderly people who are living alone. Key messages Valuable is the educational concept by conveying knowledge and exchange of experience of individual specialist groups as well as the lay perspective. Laymen and experts are learning together, their different perspectives are very helpful for the elderly.