In addition to training current clinicians in how to care for patients with dementia, we aim to train future clinicians. We have developed a new dementia curriculum for medical students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The curriculum will include a web-based didactic component, clinical experience in the care of patients with dementia, and public health experience relevant to persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Together, these will form a new Dementia & Public Health elective, to begin during the 2022-23 academic year. We are currently piloting this curriculum.
In order to see if the curriculum is effective, we will measure knowledge base before and after the elective, conduct an “observed structured clinical exam” to measure acquired skills, and measure learners’ attitudes towards and comfort with dementia care.
Medical students and others at UWSMPH interested in reviewing the web-based curriculum on Canvas should contact Art Walaszek.