OVERVIEW

The Integrated Course in Clinical Sciences for Health Promotion in Older Adults provides the knowledge needed to assess and manage the clinical and care pathway of older patients by Public Health Assistants.

The clinical component includes Geriatrics and Gerontology, Pharmacology in Geriatrics, and Musculoskeletal Disorders, covering geriatric syndromes, pharmacotherapy, and orthopedic and rehabilitative care.

The practice-oriented and organizational component includes Rehabilitation in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Health Promotion Laboratory for Older Adults, Hospital-to-Community Continuity of Care, and Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia.

Students with certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs should contact the lecturer and the Disability Advisor at the start of the course to arrange appropriate teaching adaptations.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize and describe the specific clinical, functional, and social characteristics of health and disease in older adults.
• Identify the most common age-related conditions and discuss their rehabilitative implications.
• Describe the healthcare services and care networks dedicated to the management of age-related conditions and to the continuity of care following hospital discharge.
• Explain the principles of health promotion and health education applied to older populations.
• Design and discuss health promotion interventions aimed at supporting healthy ageing and preventing disability and disease.
• Describe and critically discuss the main methodologies used in health education and health promotion programs implemented in community and healthcare settings.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FRANCESCA MATTIOLI (President)

ALESSANDRA PULLIERO (President)

RICCARDO FERRACINI

PAOLA ANDREA IACHINI

GERMANA LONGO

FRANCESCA SIMONETTA

LUCA TAGLIAFICO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment of the Integrated Course consists of the evaluation of written assignments and a final oral examination.

For the modules “Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CDCDs)” and “Health Promotion Laboratory for Older Adults”, students are required to submit a written assignment before the oral examination.

In particular:

• For the CDCDs module, students are required to develop an Individualized Care Plan (ICP) based on a clinical case assigned by the lecturer upon registration for the examination.
• For the Health Promotion Laboratory for Older Adults module, students are required to design a health promotion campaign according to the guidelines provided during the course.

The oral examination will consist of the discussion of a geriatric clinical case proposed by the examining committee, together with questions covering the contents of the modules included in the Integrated Course.

The final grade will be expressed on a scale of 30 points (with honors where applicable) and will take into account both the written assignments and the oral examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The evaluation of the written assignments and the oral examination is aimed at assessing the achievement of the expected learning outcomes related to the clinical, pharmacological, rehabilitative, healthcare, and organizational aspects of the care and management of older adults.

The assignment required for the CDCDs module will assess the student's ability to analyze a clinical case, identify the care needs of a person with cognitive impairment, and develop an ICP consistent with the clinical and psychosocial context presented.

The assignment required for the Health Promotion Laboratory for Older Adults module will assess the student's ability to design and develop health promotion interventions targeted at the older population.

The oral examination will assess the student's ability to:

• describe and discuss the main geriatric syndromes and clinical issues affecting older adults;
• apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of a geriatric clinical case;
• identify the main health and care needs of older persons;
• integrate clinical, pharmacological, rehabilitative, and organizational aspects in the planning of an appropriate care pathway;
• use correct professional terminology and demonstrate appropriate clinical reasoning skills.

Assessment will take into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to integrate the contents of the different modules within the Integrated Course, independent judgment, the ability to apply knowledge to clinical cases, and clarity of presentation.