Nursing Home Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: To help older adults living in nursing homes (NHs) while educating medical and physician assistant (MD/PA) students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Using a multicomponent iterative process, we piloted multiple student led service-learning projects in 2 NHs and 1 hospice agency in the Midwest. Pre-post online student surveys were completed to match student interests with facility needs and to assess learning and obtain feedback regarding their experiences.

Results: All 12 interested students completed the initial survey; n = 23 ultimately volunteered (word of mouth); n = 11 (48%) completed the follow-up survey. Opportunities were medical record transfer, grounds beautification, resident biographies, window entertainment, and No-One-Dies-Alone program. Students averaged 9.2 volunteer hours; stated the opportunities were enjoyable, clinically applicable, and socially distanced; and reported learning about unique experiences of older adults in NHs.

Discussion: Despite limitations created by the pandemic, mutually beneficial and safe opportunities remain for education in the NH setting.