Dates:

This program is the same as the major ACE Unit Volunteer Activity, but is for 10 hours total. You determine the dates and times you will commit to the ACE Unit). This activity cannot be repeated for credit without the approval of the Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator.

Participation: Participation is open to all students who complete the orientation. Attendance at Orientation Session on 10.17.07.

Description: Become a team member of this renowned interdisciplinary health care team. The ACE Unit provides a unique patient-centered approach to health care that all students should experience. See what can be done to lower complications following surgery, provide support to patients and families, and decrease readmission rates. Learn about the special needs of the elderly and experience the advantages of care in a home-like environment by an interdisciplinary team.

Activities:

1. Attend the ACE Unit Orientation session led by Dr. Helen Appelberg of the ACE Unit.

2. Volunteer for at least 10 hours as a team member of the ACE Unit.

3. Keep a journal of each volunteer experience to include the dates you attended. Include what you learned about the special physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the elderly and their families, the patient’s culture and implications for care, communicating to provide a caring environment, and being an effective member of the health care team.

4. Write an essay summarizing your observations of the professional team. (This essay is due on completion of your volunteer hours.) Answer the following questions:

   a. What disciplines make up the health care team? Are there interactions with other health care professional not physically present in the Unit?

   b. Follow a patient’s progress through the ACE Unit. What professionals does he/she see and what is their role in providing health care? Are there specialties within certain professions?

   c. Under what kinds of circumstances or what types of patients might benefit from collaboration between two or more of the professions represented?

   d. Under what circumstances would these professions interact with your profession?

   e. From your observation, what are the benefits and drawbacks to interdisciplinary team care?

Activity Objectives:The student will have opportunities to:

1. Observe the operation of an interdisciplinary unit that is renowned across the country for patient-centered care. Hospitalization can be an overwhelming experience for older adults and their families. Research shows that many complications can be prevented when older adults receive care in a home-like environment by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in aging.

2. Acquire knowledge regarding the special needs of the elderly requiring acute care; emphasis will be placed on the social needs. Students will work under the direction of staff to help prevent the physical decline and weakness that can rapidly occur with hospitalization. Students will encourage patient independence in self care activities.

3. Understand use of volunteers in hospital setting, including the legal and ethical issues involved.