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The difference between Japan and other countries, in particular the United Kingdom, in views regarding the teaching of geriatrics to undergraduate medical students
Author(s) -
Matsuse Takeshi,
Ozawa Toshio,
Orimo Hajime,
Fukuchi Yoshinosuke,
Ouchi Yasuyoshi,
Iriki Masamitsu
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2923.1999.00262.x
Subject(s) - geriatrics , developed country , population ageing , medicine , medical education , geriatric care , family medicine , medical school , population , gerontology , nursing , psychiatry , environmental health
Objectives To examine differences in views on geriatrics education at the undergraduate level between Japan and other industrialized countries, including the United Kingdom. Design We conducted a nationwide survey of professorial staff responsible for undergraduate education in all medical schools in Japan, and an international survey of 37 medical schools and geriatric institutes in other industrialized countries, including 16 medical schools in the United Kingdom. Results The results indicate that undergraduate education in geriatrics in Japan emphasizes the theoretical aspects of the aging process and the features of diseases in the elderly, and lacks attention to the practical aspects of care. In contrast, geriatrics education in the United Kingdom and other countries places emphasis on practical aspects of the care of the elderly. Conclusions The introduction of practical aspects of management and care of the elderly to the undergraduate education programme in geriatrics in each medical school in Japan is strongly recommended. This is especially important to meet the needs of the rapid demographic shift towards an older population in this country.