Brotherton S, Wise H, Mauldin M, Burik J, Bowman P; Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. brothers@musc.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of AGELink is to develop an interdisciplinary distributive continuing education program in gerontology and geriatrics for practitioners in the community. The program currently consists of three instructional units on Falls and the Elderly, Postural Control in Aging Adults, and Environmental Safety and Assessment. Two additional units on Examination of the Older Adult with Balance Impairment and Interventions to Improve Postural Control are under development. TARGET AUDIENCE: This program is designed primarily for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The units on Examination of Older Adults with Balance Impairment and Interventions to Improve Postural Control are targeted for physical therapists. PROGRAM DESIGN: Web-based instruction was selected for delivery of this continuing education program. Each unit consists of an introduction, objectives, didactic information, post-test, references, resources, unit evaluation, and credits. Brief video clips, pop-up windows, and cursor-activated graphics are incorporated in the program to enhance the delivery of information. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: A needs assessment was conducted with rehabilitation professionals in SC to determine instructional content, access to available technology, and preferred method of delivery. Faculty in the physical and occupational therapy programs developed the content and then collaborated with specialists in educational technology to design the presentation. A graphic artist assisted with the development of novel illustrations. The units of instruction were pilot tested with members of the target audience and their feedback was incorporated into the finished product. The pilot data also identified any difficulties encountered by participants as a result of technological limitations and served as a basis for the computation of continuing education units awarded for completion of each unit of instruction. BENEFITS: An accessible, low cost continuing education program is available to rehabilitation practitioners who work with older adults. EQUIPMENT: Embedded videos are delivered by either 56k or high speed. Common high speed network connections include cable modem, T1, DSL, and ISDN. Connections such as phone lines use the 56k modem link to reduce download time and keep the program running smoothly. Real player is also needed and can be downloaded by clicking the "Free Player" link on Real’s web site. FUNDING SOURCE: AGELink: Advancing Geriatric Education through Community Linkages (1-D27-HP-00782) is an allied health project grant that is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services. The authors have no potential for material gain as a result of participation in this grant project.

FUNDING SOURCE: Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.

Copyright 2004 by the American Physical Therapy Association

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