University education in geriatrics. Present status and future plans of universities regarding the development of a program in geriatrics]

Because the number of people who reach an advanced age has been increasing at an unprecedented rate in Japan, geriatricians are expected to play a central role in health care for the elderly. However, only 16 out of 80 medical schools (20 percent) now have departments of geriatrics for undergraduate education. To develop undergraduate education in the field of geriatrics, a survey was sponsored by the Research Projects on Aging and Health (Health Science Research Grant the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan). A questionnaire regarding the present status and future plans of the university about a program in geriatrics, was sent to deans of medical faculties or vice-presidents of medical schools. The questionnaire included questions about current status and future plans regarding undergraduate geriatric education, the presence of a department or clinic of geriatrics, educational requirements in the field of geriatrics, opportunities for practice, institutions of practice, research on geriatrics, and other suggestions. The response rate was 93.7 percent (74/79). Departments or clinics of geriatrics had been established in 15 institutions (20.3 percent) and were planned in 18 (24.3 percent). Undergraduate education in geriatrics was considered necessary in 73 schools (98.7 percent) and indispensable as an obligatory subject in 56 (75.7 percent). Clinical practice was considered more important and effective than lectures in 50 schools (63.3 percent). Coordinated lectures on basic biomedical gerontology (such as mechanism of aging) and geriatric medicine for chronic degenerative diseases such as senile dementia were considered essential to the curriculum. In practicing geriatrics, experience in providing medical care to aged patients as well as social support and a welfare system for the aged is emphasized. Institutions, nursing homes, and geriatric hospitals outside medical schools be easily accessible. It was generally agreed that geriatrics should be taught in advanced classes. In conclusion, medical schools in Japan regard undergraduate education in geriatrics as necessary and agree on the optimal curriculum, but it is not universally implemented.