Keywords

culture, education, ethnic, geriatrics, rehabilitation professionals

 

Authors

  1. Wilson, Stanley H. EdD, PT, CEAS
  2. Dorne, Rachelle EdD, OTR/L

Abstract

Education is an important intervention tool in the rehabilitation of ethnic geriatric patients. With recent cost-cutting measures in healthcare and decreased length of stays for patients, education of this unique population, with its accompanying distinctive characteristics, has taken on greater importance in achieving the desired patient outcomes. This entails developing the educational constructs that promote culturally competent care of elders, systematically implementing its elements, and analyzing their effectiveness. This should result in improvement in patient examinations, evaluations, diagnostics, prognostications of rehabilitation potential, and interventions. The ultimate result would be the achievement of optimal outcomes through improved patient/client management.