Examining Risks and Benefits to Enhance Quality of Life

Examining Risks and Benefits to Enhance Quality of Life

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Overview of Teaching Strategy

Teaching strategies serve two purposes. First they are designed to help students feel comfortable initiating conversations with older adults about risks they may be willing to take to achieve benefits that may improve quality of life. They are also meant to raise awareness of decisions older adults make which may be unconventional within the context of a best practices model, yet are consistent with the older person's wishes, expectations, resources, cultural traditions, and strengths. These strategies can be used both in the classroom and clinical settings and are designed for all levels of students.

Learning Objectives
The student will:

Develop a collaborative relationship with patients to discuss perceived risks in relation to benefits that enhance quality of life.
Initiate conversations with the health care team to advocate for risks patients and/or families are willing to take to achieve an improved quality of life.
Explore salient issues to consider when discussing risks and benefits with older adults.
Identify standardized assessment tools which provide a foundation for the older adult's decision making.
Increase their own self awareness of judgments and pre-conceived notions that may affect their advocacy for older adults.

Essential Knowledge Domains