For the past two summers, the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) at Baycrest has hosted several cohorts of the Interprofessional Student Internships in Innovation and Aging.
In response to the pandemic, this virtual 4-week summer program was adapted from an in-person format. Two cohorts per year, each comprising up to 10 students are selected through a competitive application process. Interns are immersed in a variety of online programming to enhance their knowledge of geriatrics and to develop valuable communication skills for future careers in long-term care (LTC).
“This was a great internship and I appreciate the hard work that went into creating this online format and ensuring a high level of education and efficient execution. Thank you for this experience!” —Intern, 2022
The interns apply principles of empathy, problem framing and ideation to internship activities while collaborating with peers, subject matter experts, persons with lived experience and residents in LTC. By engaging with an Interprofessional Team, students expand their network of healthcare professionals, experience mentorship, and witness the value of collaboration between each role in LTC.
Experiential activities provide an engaging environment during the internship. Some of these activities include facilitated sessions and a meta-simulation game world that combines simulated cases, eLearning, the SOS Seniors Care Game and other online activities through the Learning Inter-Professionally Healthcare Accelerator (LIPHA).
As a capstone project, interns develop an innovative solution that promotes social connectedness in LTC. By learning and applying innovative design thinking strategies, the project facilitates learning in the analysis of a practical issue and ideation of sustainable solutions. A resident-to-resident pen pal program, personalized sensory experiences, intergenerational activities, and a cultural showcase are just some of the solutions our interns have developed.
Interns prepare and present their solutions to an expert panel of Baycrest executives, educators and resident caregivers in the form of a concise and persuasive storyboard. By sharing and receiving feedback from this panel, collaborative relationships and implementation opportunities beyond the internship are formed.
“I think this internship is an amazing opportunity for students to gain professional skills and knowledge that is applicable to any setting in health care. I hope to use these skills to be a health advocate for the geriatric population in my future career.” —Intern, 2022
Check out this video to hear from students about their experience in the Interprofessional Student Internship in Innovation and Aging.
