Training Programs on Geriatrics in Rural Areas: a Review

Abstract

Purpose of review To understand the current scope of training in geriatrics in rural areas for rural providers and teams, we reviewed current literature to identify training programs which pertain to geriatric education and training of the rural workforce. Recent findings Older adults are one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States and represent a higher share of the population in rural areas than in other counties. Older adults in rural areas often have complex health challenges and may benefit from care from healthcare teams with geriatrics training. However, there is a paucity of geriatrics workforce in the country and particularly in rural areas. Geriatric training programs targeting rural practitioners may serve to bridge this gap through providing training and support to rural teams taking care of older adults in rural areas. Summary Ten unique programs were identified which described efforts to introduce geriatrics to rural practitioners. Each used different methods of training at a distance, leveraging the use of telecommunications and the internet, or face to face training methods alone or in combination with distance training. Improvements in clinician knowledge, skills and other impacts were described. Current evidence demonstrates that providing training in geriatrics is feasible and may yield positive impacts on rural clinical teams and potential downstream effects on patient care.

Training and educational programs that support geriatric dental care in rural settings: A scoping review

“…According to the US Census Bureau, by 2060 the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double (from 52 million [2018] to 95 million [2060]) increasing the nation's share of this group from 16% to 23% with a greater percentage residing in rural areas (20%). [1][2][3][4][5] Out of 3142 US counties, two-thirds are designated as whole or partial rural health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). 2…”

Cognitive impairment and frailty screening in older surgical patients: a rural tertiary care centre experience

“…One-quarter of adults over 65 live in rural areas, but only ten percent of geriatric trained healthcare specialists work in non-urban centres. [16][17][18] Access to primary care in rural New England is especially limited, with Medicare eligible patients spending approximately 33% fewer days with their primary providers than patients in urban settings. 19 Due to the limited access to rural primary care and geriatric-trained providers, we recognise the need for cognitive impairment and frailty screening to be performed by anesthesiology and surgery in the preoperative setting.…”

“…Older surgical patients in rural areas face additional challenges. One-quarter of adults over 65 live in rural areas, but only ten percent of geriatric trained healthcare specialists work in non-urban centres 16–18. Access to primary care in rural New England is especially limited, with Medicare eligible patients spending approximately 33% fewer days with their primary providers than patients in urban settings 19.…”

Assessment and treatment of hoarding disorder in rural-dwelling older adults.

“…The current workforce of licensed psychologists who specialize in geriatric mental health care is inadequate to meet the needs of a growing older adult population (Hoge et al, 2015). Access to behavioral health providers and specialized geriatric care is particularly lacking in rural communities (Andrilla et al, 2018; Hintenach et al, 2019). Integrated models of healthcare and expansion of telemental health represent promising areas of innovation to improve access to geriatric behavioral services in rural communities.…”