INTRODUCTION TO THE OLDER PATIENT

Overview of Morning Introduction Movie clip Dramatic Scenes Actors’ Studio Small Groups Evaluation

Themes Ageism Communication Function

Cocoon - Your Thoughts….. List 2 things that surprised you about the behavior of the older adults. Is this a positive or negative view on aging? How would older individuals feel watching this film clip? Ronnie: introduce “paper” questions; Carol introduce movie. AFTER Cocoon? WHY were you surprised by those behaviors? Why positive or negative? Define ageism…..(give Butler’s-- from book) Is this clip ageist? Ageism influences self-view (like other prejudices) -- older adults adopt negative definitions of themselves.

Ageism A process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old…. When physicians adopt ageist attitudes, it can greatly impact patient care outcomes. For instance, we know that 75% of diagnoses can be made by history alone. If drs. Exhibit ageist behaviors….incomplete histories and miss the correct diagnosis. Equally, failure to properly assess psychosocial issues can lead to increased morbility and mortality. COMMUNICATION: Pearl 1: Physicians who communicate better will have patients who understand more about their illness and will be more likely to adhee to regimens. Pearl 2: In 77% of interviews, pt. problems are not fully elicited.

Ageism in the Healthcare System Lack of training of geriatric professionals Less likely to receive preventative healthcare Less likely to be tested or screened for diseases Inappropriate or incomplete treatments Exclusion from clinical trials

Assessing Function It predicts outcomes. It helps in making diagnoses. It helps determine level of care needed. It allows physicians to monitor responses to treatment. It facilitates exchange of information between healthcare providers. Introduce skit