Master’s Program Equips Physicians to Tackle Growing Frailty Crisis
The world’s population is aging, and with that comes a surge in chronic diseases and a growing need for skilled healthcare professionals specializing in frailty. Ics Maugeri and the University of Pavia are tackling this challenge head-on with a new Master’s Degree program in “Prevention, Care, and Rehabilitation of the Frail Patient.”
This innovative master’s program aims to train highly qualified physicians equipped with innovative, sustainable, and person-centered approaches to care for the increasingly vulnerable population.
Understanding the Growing Challenge of Frailty
Frailty is defined as a state of heightened vulnerability, often characterized by complex chronic diseases, disabilities, clinical instability, and reduced self-sufficiency. “According to the ‘Silver Steps 2022-2023’ report, frailty affects 17% of the population, with a greater incidence as age progresses: 9% of 65-74 year olds are frail and it reaches 33% among those over 85 years old.” This trend puts a significant strain on existing healthcare systems and underscores the urgent need for specialists in frailty management.
A Holistic Approach to Frailty Management
The one-year, 60-credit program provides comprehensive training, immersing participants in a blend of frontal and distance learning, complemented by practical internships and a compulsory internship. This multifaceted approach ensures that graduates not only possess theoretical knowledge but also have hands-on experience, enabling them to confidently apply their skills in diverse settings.
The curriculum covers a wide range of critical topics, allowing students to:
* Deepen their understanding of frailty definition and evaluation.
* Master the application of clinical models and organizational aspects for integrated management.
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Gain expertise in nutritional and pharmaco-toxicological aspects related to frailty.
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Explore frailty within main medical specialties.
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Engage with advanced technological approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence in research.
This holistic approach prepares graduates to address the multifaceted challenges of frailty care and contribute to improved patient outcomes.
Empowering Physicians for Diverse Healthcare Settings
Graduates are equipped to make a tangible difference across various healthcare contexts. They can:
* Develop and coordinate clinical pathways in hospital and local health facilities, including internal medicine, geriatrics, palliative care, and rehabilitation.
* Contribute to health departments, nursing homes, community homes, and territorial medicine initiatives.
The program welcomes doctors registered with the Order and authorized to practice, with a maximum of 15 places available to ensure individualized attention and high-quality training.
The program is slated to commence from February to October 2025, with a blended attendance method to accommodate the needs of practicing physicians.
Ics Maugeri is committed to supporting excellence in healthcare, offering scholarships to deserving candidates to cover the full cost of the master’s degree.
What are some key challenges faced by healthcare systems in managing the growing prevalence of frailty?
## New Master’s Program Tackles the Global Frailty Crisis
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re discussing a pressing issue facing healthcare systems worldwide: the growing prevalence of frailty in an aging population. Joining us to shed light on a cutting-edge programme addressing this challenge is Alex Reed, [Alex Reed Title]. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Alex Reed, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is frailty, and why is it becoming such a significant concern?
**Alex Reed:** Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability often characterized by a combination of chronic diseases, disabilities, and reduced self-sufficiency. As the global population ages, the prevalence of frailty is rapidly increasing, putting a strain on healthcare systems
As the “Silver Steps 2022-2023” report highlights, frailty impacts 17% of the population, with a marked increase with age. These numbers are staggering, and underscore the urgent need for specialized care.
**Interviewer:** That’s alarming. So what’s being done to meet this challenge?
**Alex Reed:** That’s where Ics Maugeri and the University of Pavia’s new Master’s Degree programme in “Prevention, Care, and Rehabilitation of the Frail Patient” comes in. This innovative programme equips physicians with the latest knowledge and skills in frailty management.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us more about the programme’s focus and structure?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The programme takes a holistic approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students engage in both frontal and distance learning, complemented by essential internships to ensure they gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. The one-year curriculum covers 60 credits, immersing participants in all aspects of frailty management.
**Interviewer:** This definitely sounds like a vital step forward.
How do you see this programme impacting the future of healthcare for older adults?
**Alex Reed:**
I believe this programme will play a crucial role in building a stronger healthcare workforce prepared to meet the challenges of an aging population. Graduates will be uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to frail individuals, improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Alex Reed, for sharing this vital information with us. This programme is a promising development in tackling the growing frailty crisis.
**[End Interview]**
