Development and evaluation of a statewide autopsy education workshop

Abstract

The role of autopsy is critical in confirming diagnoses and advancing research in Alzheimer's disease. In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association chapters in Michigan, the staff of the Education Core of the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center developed, implemented, and evaluated an educational intervention based on a train-the-trainer model to disseminate information about autopsy to chapter staff and volunteers. Participants at a one-day Autopsy Education Workshop (AEW) developed skills to make presentations about autopsy in their local communities and assist family caregivers with decision-making. Participants reported significant gains in knowledge about autopsy and an increased level of confidence in discussing autopsy withfamily members. The AEW curriculum and evaluation design will be described.