Training Programs on Geriatrics in Rural Areas: A Review.

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.