Evaluating the Patient-Student Partnership Pathway from the Patient Perspective

Additional Authors

Emily Collins, Department of Medical Education, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

Loneliness among elderly patients is a significant health risk, increasing their susceptibility to conditions like dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. This isolation is often worsened by challenges in communicating with healthcare providers due to limited medical knowledge and access to technology. The Patient Pathway Program aims to address these issues, offering a mutually beneficial experience for both elderly patients and students. This interprofessional program pairs students from medical, dietetics, pharmacy, and occupational therapy programs with elderly patients for longitudinal engagement. Before each visit, students complete modules on topics like home safety, medication management, nutrition, wellness, and goal setting. These modules guide the visits which take place at the patient’s home or a convenient location. The focus is on building a meaningful and supportive relationship, with each visit tailored to a specific topic. To assess the program's effectiveness, a comprehensive survey is administered at the end of the year to evaluate patients' understanding of key health topics and their sense of community connection. This survey assesses patients’ confidence and improvement in their healthcare knowledge at the end of the program, offering insights into areas for curriculum refinement. The survey results have been overwhelmingly positive, showing increased patient happiness and improved understanding of important medical information. The Patient Pathway Program -- supports patient education and provides valuable hands-on experience for students. It fosters healthier, more connected lives for elderly patients while preparing future healthcare professionals to better serve this vulnerable group.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 4:00 PM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Clinical Doctoral Student (e.g., medical student, pharmacy student)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Kelly Karpa

Faculty Department

Medical Education

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 4:00 PM

Evaluating the Patient-Student Partnership Pathway from the Patient Perspective

Loneliness among elderly patients is a significant health risk, increasing their susceptibility to conditions like dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. This isolation is often worsened by challenges in communicating with healthcare providers due to limited medical knowledge and access to technology. The Patient Pathway Program aims to address these issues, offering a mutually beneficial experience for both elderly patients and students. This interprofessional program pairs students from medical, dietetics, pharmacy, and occupational therapy programs with elderly patients for longitudinal engagement. Before each visit, students complete modules on topics like home safety, medication management, nutrition, wellness, and goal setting. These modules guide the visits which take place at the patient’s home or a convenient location. The focus is on building a meaningful and supportive relationship, with each visit tailored to a specific topic. To assess the program's effectiveness, a comprehensive survey is administered at the end of the year to evaluate patients' understanding of key health topics and their sense of community connection. This survey assesses patients’ confidence and improvement in their healthcare knowledge at the end of the program, offering insights into areas for curriculum refinement. The survey results have been overwhelmingly positive, showing increased patient happiness and improved understanding of important medical information. The Patient Pathway Program -- supports patient education and provides valuable hands-on experience for students. It fosters healthier, more connected lives for elderly patients while preparing future healthcare professionals to better serve this vulnerable group.