80. MAPPING RESIDENT COMPETENCY: NATIONAL SURVEY ON GERIATRIC MILESTONES IN MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, AND PATIENT SAFETY BY THE LIGHTS-RX HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM

Introduction

The increasing demand for competent geriatric care necessitates a thorough assessment of resident training in key areas. With an insufficient number of geriatric psychiatrists to meet the needs of the aging population, primary care providers are expected to take on a greater role in managing the behavioral, affective, and substance use issues of older adults. However, early insights indicate that there may be opportunities to enhance training in these areas to better support their efforts. This study aims to evaluate self-perceived competency levels among first- and senior-year residents in family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry, focusing on medication management, cognitive and behavioral health assessment, hospital patient safety, and substance use disorder management.

Methods

We will conduct a nationwide survey based on the American Geriatric Society’s milestones, targeting residents across the United States. This survey is an expanded and refined version of our pilot study conducted in the Lansing area, which indicated that residents often feel their competencies in these critical areas do not meet their expectations. Additionally, the survey will incorporate questions addressing perceptions of ageism in healthcare settings, aiming to explore how these attitudes may impact the quality of care provided to older adults.

Results

Data collection is currently in progress, with completion anticipated by March 2025, in time for presentation at the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry conference. Preliminary findings from the pilot study suggest significant gaps in self-perceived competencies, highlighting areas for potential curricular enhancement.

Conclusions

The results of this national survey will provide valuable insights into the training needs of medical residents in geriatric care, informing educational strategies aimed at improving competency and patient outcomes in this vulnerable population.