79. INFORMATION BEGETS INTEREST: ENHANCING MEDICAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY THROUGH A TARGETED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

Introduction

With the rapidly aging population, ensuring equitable access to mental healthcare for older adults is a pressing human rights issue. Despite this, geriatric psychiatry remains underrepresented in medical curricula and may hinder future physicians’ ability to recognize and address the mental health needs of older adults. At the University of Florida School of Medicine, geriatric psychiatry was previously designated for self-study within the psychiatry clerkship, limiting opportunities for structured, interactive learning. To address this gap, a geriatric psychiatry lecture was developed and delivered to third-year medical students during their psychiatry clerkship

Methods

The geriatric psychiatry lecture is anticipated to be taught to three rotations of third-year medical students (n = 30-45) from October 2024 through initial data analysis in February 2025 and continue thereafter with appropriate revisions. The lecture combined traditional teaching with an interactive case-based approach, where students applied their knowledge to diagnose a geriatric patient with non-specific symptoms. Additionally, the session included practice questions designed to reinforce key concepts and promote active learning. After the lecture, students completed an anonymous survey assessing interest in geriatric psychiatry, previous exposure to the field of geriatric psychiatry, and perceptions of the lecture’s relevance and effectiveness. Survey responses are currently under analysis. This project was deemed IRB-exempt as it involved the evaluation of an educational intervention without collection of sensitive or identifying student data.

Results

While the survey data is still being collected and analyzed, it is anticipated that this interactive approach will enhance students' understanding of geriatric psychiatry and foster a greater interest in the psychiatric care of older adults. The feedback will inform improvements to the lecture and help determine the effectiveness of the interactive elements in promoting learning and engagement. Results are anticipated to be analyzed in February 2025.

Conclusions

This targeted educational initiative represents a key step in improving geriatric psychiatry education within the medical school curriculum at the University of Florida. By incorporating case-based learning and interactive elements, the project aims to equip future physicians with the knowledge and interest necessary to meet the psychiatric needs of an aging population. Survey results will guide further refinement of the lecture and contribute to ongoing efforts to integrate geriatrics more fully into medical education.