162 Chapter 7 With the recognition of the need for geriatric emergency medicine education for ED staff (41, 42), there are different possible approaches regarding how this education should be best implemented and evaluated. Although little research has been conducted regarding factors influencing the implementation of education programs in the ED (2, 41, 43-45), it is known that one of the main obstacles to the implementation of education programs for ED staff is the context of a 24-hour emergency medicine service. Emergency physicians often work irregular shifts, which may lead to a low attendance of ED staff in education programs. Table 1 shows the barriers that we encountered in studies performed for this thesis when implementing geriatric education programs (i.e., lectures, online teaching, teach-back method) and in literature (46, 47). These factors should be taken into account by other researchers when performing education studies in the ED, as they might influence the successful implementation of geriatric educational programs in the ED. Table 1 Barriers and solutions to the successful implementation of educational programs in the ED Barrier Solution Busy work schedules/working in (irregular) shifts. Embed the education program in already existing educational structures. Implement web-based learning for maximum attendance. Variability in the educational needs of participants. Perform needs assessment of study participants prior to the development of educational content. Learner enthusiasm for the care of older adults. Organize motivational sessions prior to the start of the education program (to encourage the involvement of participants). Different interpretations of the importance of the program content. Involve ED staff in program development to align paradigms of emergency medicine and geriatrics. Select high-yield geriatric emergency medicine topics. Variable preferences for teaching methods among emergency physicians. Consider a mix of education methods (e.g., lectures, web-based education) to reach maximum number of participants.
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