An Interdisciplinary Service Learning Experience in Geriatrics for Occupational and Physical Therapy Students

Abstract

An interdisciplinary service learning experience in geriatrics was provided for occupational and physical therapy students and supported by an Allied Health Project Grant. The service learning experience, which was developed by faculty from the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Communication Sciences Disorders Programs at the Medical University of South Carolina, functioned as the clinical component of an interdisciplinary geriatrics course. The purposes were to: (1) provide students with an introductory experience in performing evaluation techniques in geriatrics, (2) provide a service to elderly clients by screening them for physical and communications dysfunction, and (3) develop students' ability to interact and work directly with elderly clients. The learning experience was carried out over a nine week period, and provided an opportunity for the students to work directly with elderly subjects in a community based setting. Course evaluations regarding the experience and anecdotal feedback from the students suggested that the experience was worthwhile and constituted an effective design for teaching geriatrics.