Geriatric Educational Interventions for Physicians Training in Non-Geriatric Specialties: A Scoping Review.

backgroundPhysicians require the expertise to care for an increasingly aging population. A robust understanding of geriatric educational interventions is needed to improve geriatric training for physicians.

objectiveTo map the breadth of geriatric educational interventions for residents (in non-geriatric specialties).

methodsWe used a scoping review methodology. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, EMCare, CENTRAL, ERIC, and Scopus from 2004 to September 2019 for search terms related to "educational approaches" AND "geriatric" AND "residents." Two authors independently selected eligible studies, extracted data (categorized by educational approaches and Kirkpatrick level outcomes), and critically appraised studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

resultsThere were 63 included studies, with a total of 6976 participants. Twelve studies had comparators, including 5 randomized controlled trials. Fifty-three studies (84%) described multicomponent interventions, incorporating combinations of didactic or self-directed approaches with interactive, simulation, experiential, and/or group-based learning. Use of curricular process was explicitly reported in 34 studies (59%). Most studies met at least 4 of 5 Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool criteria. Studies commonly measured outcomes at Kirkpatrick levels 1 and 2 (reaction and learning), with 15 studies measuring performance outcomes (Kirkpatrick levels 3 and 4b). All included studies had at least one positive result.

conclusionsAll educational interventions had positive outcomes; however, curriculum-informed multicomponent interventions were the most common. This scoping review demonstrates that robust methodology with comparators, longer-term designs, and use of higher-level Kirkpatrick outcome measures is possible but not commonly used. Clear direction for future research is provided.