UNM FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY
ROTATION OBJECTIVE AND GOALS
Geriatrics Rotation
GOALS
The goals of the Geriatrics Rotation are to provide learning opportunities that will enable residents to develop
or refine the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to:
1.
Understand the philosophy of geriatric care in general and in the multiple settings such as home care,
clinic, nursing home and hospice.
2.
Apply the scientific knowledge of geriatric medicine to clinical practice.
3.
Understand the pathophysiology and management of common geriatric medical, psychological, social
and spiritual issues.
OBJECTIVES
PATIENT CARE OBJECTIVES
Residents are required to participate in the care of geriatric patients during this rotation.
The resident demonstrates the ability to:
 Obtain, document and report an accurate geriatric assessment including history, physical exam and
all pertinent information for a geriatric patient.
 Perform, document and report functional assessment
 Perform, document and report a review of the patients’ medications
 Perform, document, and triage acute issues, if there are any.
MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the geriatric rotation, residents will demonstrate understanding of:
 Evaluation and treatment of at least two common medical problems in the geriatric patient
 Evaluation and treatment of at least two common psychological problems in the geriatric patient
 Evaluation and treatment of at least two common social problems in a geriatric patient
 Spiritual issues as they relate to the geriatric patient and end of life care
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Common Problems include but are not limited to:
 Preventive services – what to do and when to stop
 Pharmacology of medications in the geriatric patient
 Pre-Operative concerns about the geriatric patient
 Nursing Home, Home Visit and hospice care
 Ethical issues – Power of Attorney, Advanced Directives, etc…
 Care of the Hospitalized Geriatric Patient
 Macular degeneration and other visual impairments
 Presbycusis and other hearing impairments
 Dizziness and syncope
 Malnutrition and eating problems (chewing, swallowing, feeding, etc…)
 Urinary incontinence
 Sleeping problems in the elderly
 Gait impairment – assessment and assistive devices
 Rehabilitation issues for the geriatric patient
 Falls
 Osteopenia and osteoporosis
 Dementia
 Delirium
 Depression and other mood disorders
 Anxiety
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Psychotic disorders and behavioral problems
Alcohol and drug abuse in the elderly
Dermatologic problems common in the elderly
Dental issues in the elderly
COPD and other pulmonary problems in the elderly
Age related cardiovascular issues
Hypertension
CAD
Hypothyroidism and other endocrine problems
Diabetes in the geriatric patient
Gastrointestinal diseases – constipation, strictures/swallowing issues
Renal problems in the elderly- dialysis and when to stop
Gynecological diseases and disorders including postmenopausal bleeding and menopausal
symptoms
Prostate diseases
Sexuality in the older patient
Neurologic issues including Parkinson’s
Hematologic issues including B12 deficiency
Cancers – Colon, Breast, Lung, Multiple myeloma, etc…
Financial issues (Medicare, Social Security, etc….)
Pain management in the elderly
Cultural issues and the elder patient
PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT OBJECTIVES
The resident:
 recognizes his/her own strengths and limitations
 asks questions as an engaged, critical learner
 locates, appraises, and assimilates evidence from scientific studies related to their patients’ health
problems
 uses information technology to manage information, access on-line medical information, and support
their own education
INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS OBJECTIVES
The resident:
 makes organized and effective oral presentations
 elicits and provides information using effective listening, nonverbal, explanatory, questioning, and writing
skills
 communicates with the patient, family and members of the healthcare team in a timely, developmentally
and culturally appropriate manner and being sensitive to communication issues and barriers of the
geriatric patient.
 works effectively and respectfully with others as a member or leader of a health care team or other
professional group
PROFESSIONALISM OBJECTIVES
The resident will:
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accept responsibility for patient care
never misrepresent patient care information
consistently perform in a punctual, reliable and collegial manner
demonstrate dress, hygiene and manner of speech that consistently reflect appropriate standards
demonstrate a responsiveness to the needs of patients and society that supersedes self-interest
demonstrate accountability to patients, society and the profession
demonstrate a commitment to excellence and on-going professional development
demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care,
confidentiality of patient information, informed consent, and business practices
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demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness towards patients', colleagues' and team members'
gender, age, culture, disabilities, ethnicity and sexual orientation
SYSTEMS-BASED PRACTICE OBJECTIVES
The resident will:
 practice cost-effective health care and resource allocation that does not compromise quality of care
 advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities to minimize
discomfort or confusion
 recognize that the patient is part of a greater system and provide care in a manner that supports
continuity
 know how to partner with health care managers and health care providers including nurse
practitioners to assess, coordinate, and improve health care and know how these activities can affect
system performance
PROCEDURAL SKILLS
The resident will demonstrate judgment and knowledge about procedures possible at the clinic,
home, nursing home and hospice settings and perform such procedures, if needed.
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