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Background: Geriatrics Fellows Learning Online And Together (Geri‐a‐FLOAT) is a virtual curriculum designed to convene fellows nationwide for learning and peer support. This paper presents the expansion and evaluation of the program from the "Wave 1" pilot to the "Wave 2" year‐long curriculum. Methods: Kern's six‐step approach to curriculum development was used to develop the Wave 2 curriculum. Participation was collected via Zoom. Post‐session web‐based surveys evaluated participant satisfaction regarding speaker, content, and overall session quality; intent‐to‐change; and a free‐response section. A one‐year follow‐up survey sent to participants with valid e‐mail addresses assessed sustained knowledge, skills, and behavior change. Results: Nineteen sessions were held with mean (SD) of 23 (13) participants per session, totaling 182 unique participants. Fifteen of 19 sessions were evaluated with 96 evaluations completed (mean [SD] 6 [4] evaluations per session). Mean (SD) ratings per session that were excellent or above average was 100% (0) for content, 99% (4) for speaker, and 99% (4) overall. Mean (SD) evaluations per session noting intent to change was 90% (14). Respondents reported helpful aspects as sharing resources and examples, perspectives and experiences of others, professional connections, and collaborative discussion. Of 127 participants with valid e‐mail addresses, 40 (response rate = 31%) completed the one‐year follow‐up survey. Mean (SD) respondents reporting some or significant sustained impact was 89% (7) across all learning outcomes. Conclusions: This virtual, national curriculum for geriatrics fellows was well‐received and associated with high rates of self‐reported, sustained impact one‐year post curriculum. Geri‐a‐FLOAT may be a model to standardize education and build collaboration and peer support across a discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Over the past decade, the numbers of older adults with opioid and substance use disorders (OUD/SUD) have increased. As this population enters nursing homes (NHs) in increasing numbers, it is crucial to consider their capacity to manage issues related to OUD/SUD. This study aimed to examine current NH protocols for care coordination of residents with OUD/SUD as well as facility-related barriers to providing care to this vulnerable population within the NH. Methods: Twenty-four semistructured interviews were conducted with NH staff including directors of nursing, administrators, nurses, and physicians in July 2020. Staff were recruited from 11 different post–acute care and long-term care facilities located in urban and suburban communities of Chicago. Interviews were conducted virtually (via teleconference platform or by telephone) and subsequently coded using ATLAS.ti 8 (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany) using constant comparative method. Results: Qualitative analyses identified 3 themes around NH barriers to care for residents with SUD/OUD: (1) staff preparedness, (2) staff perceptions of addiction, and (3) overall lack of resources. Results revealed a strong need for the development of consistent policies, as well as standardized, educational interventions for NH staff that target SUD/OUD management in this vulnerable population. Conclusions: The evaluation and impact of persons with SUD/OUD entering NHs are an important topic that requires further study. More resources and staff training are necessary to ensure that residents with SUD/OUD have access to appropriate care within these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the rate of fatal overdoses among adults 65 years and older has risen exponentially. Older adults are more vulnerable to opioids yet are less likely to have their opioid use disorder (OUD) recognized and treated. The prevalence of geriatric syndromes is higher among older adults with OUD, yet there is limited attention on how improving current OUD treatment for older adults can address their complex care needs. A case-based workshop was presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society of General Internal Medicine to provide generalists with training, skills, and resources to care for aging adults with OUD through the lens of the Geriatrics 5 Ms framework. After an introductory background, workshop participants engaged in a 5-part mega-case designed to encourage discussion and empower participants to apply each of the 5 Ms to the care of older adults with OUD. Attendees rated the workshop highly in achieved learning objectives, quality, facilitation, and planned incorporation of learned knowledge to teaching, research, patient care, or administration. An interactive case-based workshop on applying the 5 Ms framework to the care of older adults with OUD is feasible, replicable, and may promote age-friendly care for this patient population.