GAIT Project Overview: The Geriatric Assessment Interdisciplinary Team (GAIT) project is funded by the University System of Maryland (USM) Redeployment Grant System. The project is designed by the Maryland Area Health Education Centers (MAHECs) in partnership with the Geriatrics & Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School.
The GAIT project is a free program for health and social science undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled in a University System of Maryland (USM) institution. GAIT introduces students to the comprehensive geriatric assessment and the fundamentals of interprofessional (interdisciplinary) collaboration through both didactic and clinical sessions. There is no charge for USM students to participate in the GAIT program. Certificate of completion provided.
The GAIT project provides an opportunity for students to:
- Interact with students and professionals from a variety of disciplines;
- Participate in team-building exercises that focus on the value of an interdisciplinary approach to improve quality of care for older adults;
- Understand services provided to older adults; and
- Learn about the needs of underserved older adult communities within our state.
As an interprofessional learning experience, GAIT is designed to help students:
- Understand the uniqueness of interprofessional teams and its value in providing person-centered care;
- Recognize barriers to effective communication in health care teams and identify ways to reduce conflict and disagreement
- Explain aging processes and the diversity of the older adult population;
- Evaluate best practices in honoring the autonomy of older persons; and
- Employ effective intergenerational communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, written) to recruit prospects and engage with members.
Participant expectations:
- Register for one or more GAIT experiences; see the schedule below for registration links.
- Arrive promptly and participate fully in the GAIT experience.
SPRING 2024 GAIT TOPICS AND DATES (may register for more than one)
Note: Others may be added and announced as they are scheduled.
Topic: Dementia in the Emergency Department (Virtual)
Dates: Blackboard site opens for required independent work: Friday, March 8
Required Group Activity (Zoom): Thursday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION CLOSES Feb. 29
Information: Alfred Boakye
Topic: Geriatric Assessment Tools Workshop: A Multidisciplinary Clinical Skills Workshop (In-Person)
Lunch Provided
Dates: Friday, April 12, 11:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Location: The Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver PIace, Columbia, Maryland
REGISTRATION CLOSES April 3
Information: Meredith Hochman
Topic: Aging in Place (Virtual)
Dates: Blackboard site opens for Independent Work: Friday, April 26, 2024
Required Group Activity: Friday, May 3, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION CLOSES April 18
Information: Alfred Boakye
Contact Information:
- General information: Alfred Boakye, alfred.boakye@som.umaryland.edu, and Diane Martin, PhD, diane.martin@umaryland.edu
- Blackboard credentialing and troubleshooting: Alfred Boakye, alfred.boakye@som.umaryland.edu