Communication training for orthopedic residents pays off

Editor's Note

A program at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, to improve orthopedic surgery residents’ communication skills with older adults is paying off, according to a new study presented at the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors meeting on June 24 in Seattle.

A total of 64 residents participated in the program from 2009 to 2015. They were evaluated before and after the training using surveys that assessed medical knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, and personal anxiety about aging.

Results showed:

• Mean knowledge scores significantly increased from 57.3 to 72.0 out of 100 on aging and older people.
• Statistically significant change was found in residents’ anxiety levels with regard to enjoyment of talking to older adults.
• Residents showed improvement in their attitude toward older or aging adults.

New York, NY- June 24, 2016 A program to improve orthopedic surgery residents' communication skills with older adults is having a positive impact, according to a new study. The program at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) seeks to enhance third-year residents' interactions with older adults by sensitizing the residents to their needs and dispelling negative misconceptions.