A one minute survey of learning needs for Regional Geriatric Program Central Personnel

Objective: To determine the top learning needs of local specialized geriatrics services staff. Participants: Health care professionals within the Regional Geriatric Program central area. Methodology: A snowball sample (n=67) ranked five of 20 possible learning needs (derived from a literature review) by priority. Analysis: Responses were sorted by those listing a particular subject in any priority, those making it the top priority, and Q-sort. Results: The top three learning needs - scoring highest on all techniques - were management of dementia, risk and discharge from hospital to community. Conclusion: This appears to be a viable method of appraising needs for education planning.