OBJECTIVES: To measure perceptions of quality of life (QOL) in an active geriatric population and compare their responses with pharmacy students' perceptions of older adult QOL. METHODS: Pharmacy students and active older adults completed the modified and standard version of a validated health survey instrument, respectively, and their responses were compared. RESULTS: Eighty-six students and 20 active older adults participated. Student perceptions of geriatric QOL were significantly lower in all domains except health change compared to older adult perceptions (p<0.001 for all domains). Interest in a geriatric pharmacy career (p=0.04) and previously having taken the Perspectives in Geriatrics course and laboratory (p=0.05 and 0.02, respectively) were significantly associated with higher student scores on the physical component portion of the survey. CONCLUSION: Stronger emphasis on geriatric QOL within pharmacy curricula may improve pharmacy students' perceptions regarding outcomes related to healthy older adults.
OBJECTIVES: To measure perceptions of quality of life (QOL) in an active geriatric population and compare their responses with pharmacy students' perceptions of older adult QOL. METHODS: Pharmacy students and active older adults completed the modified and standard version of a validated health survey instrument, respectively, and their responses were compared. RESULTS: Eighty-six students and 20 active older adults participated. Student perceptions of geriatric QOL were significantly lower in all domains except health change compared to older adult perceptions (p<0.001 for all domains). Interest in a geriatric pharmacy career (p=0.04) and previously having taken the Perspectives in Geriatrics course and laboratory (p=0.05 and 0.02, respectively) were significantly associated with higher student scores on the physical component portion of the survey. CONCLUSION: Stronger emphasis on geriatric QOL within pharmacy curricula may improve pharmacy students' perceptions regarding outcomes related to healthy older adults.
Keywords:
geriatric education; geriatrics; quality of life; student perceptions
Authors: Peggy S Odegard; Robert M Breslow; Michael J Koronkowski; Bradley R Williams; Gayle A Hudgins Journal: Am J Pharm Educ Date: 2007-06-15 Impact factor: 2.047
Authors: Alice Mankin LaMascus; Marie A Bernard; Patricia Barry; Judith Salerno; Joan Weiss Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2005-02 Impact factor: 5.562