Encouraging Gerontological Research Among Entry-Level Graduate Students in Clinical Health Care Disciplines

Abstract

Students in the clinical health care disciplines interested in working with older adults also need skills in qualitative and quantitative research. Because most students are drawn to the health professions by a desire to provide direct care, they often must be convinced of the inextricable link between excellence in clinical practice and research. This paper describes the way one entry-level master's degree program in occupational therapy promotes research skills. An example of one line of gerontological research, specifically with family caregivers of persons with dementia, involving faculty-supervised student involvement is presented. Its emphasis has been on the relationship between clinical and research excellence, positive and practical implications of findings for the target population, and enthusiastic faculty mentoring and role modeling. One program's approach to motivating students to participate in research involving older adults is described with the intent of stimulating ideas across the spectrum of health professions.