USING CONNECTED LEARNING THEORY GUIDED ADOPTION IN SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF 4MS AGE-FRIENDLY CARE

Abstract As one of the HRSA funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement recipients, Arkansas Education Collaborative worked with Reynolds Institute on Aging Thomas and Lyons Longevity Clinic to implement Age Friendly care. An adult learning theory was used develop trainings 4M’s Age-Friendly Healthcare pursue Certification from The for Improvement. Connected Learning Theory is a proven method reliably help trainee’s adoption new principles ideas by connecting familiar relationships which are easily recognized. This supports various learner pathways proposes that students learn best when they form connections materials. In an effort provide enhanced training healthcare professionals who were already much content, associations made between M&M’s candy each 4Ms, What Matters, Mobility, Mind Medications Care. Baseline 6-months post data two Merit-Based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) measures, depression falls risk screening, evaluate outcomes. Staff satisfied 4Ms Framework found it applicable their older patient workflow. MIPS evaluation showed significant changes in screens 23% improvement 3% screenings future fall 6 months after training. clinic achieved Level I June 2021. Although staff specialists geriatrics, increased application 4 M’s, improved acceptance, knowledge via M&M connections.