Evaluating Medical Student Geriatric Competency Using a 5Ms-Based Assessment Tool

Publication Date

9-15-2026

DOI

10.31986/issn.2578.3343_vol7iss1.4

First Page

Last Page

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Driven by an aging Baby Boomer generation, the United States is navigating a demographic transformation with far-reaching implications that include increased demand for chronic disease management and long-term care as well as increased stress on both healthcare costs and infrastructure. Generating a workforce competent in the delivery of care to older patients with complex, multimorbid conditions is fundamental to addressing this shift. Recognizing that the development of primary and specialty care physicians skilled in geriatric care begins in medical school, the American Geriatric Society developed minimum competencies grounded in the Geriatric 5Ms (Mind, Mobility, Medication, Multicomplexity, and Matters Most). This report describes a case-based assessment tool using the 5Ms framework that evaluates geriatric curricula and informs curricular enhancements.

METHODS

Medical students enrolled in a geriatric clerkship were presented with a clinical vignette that highlighted core geriatric competencies and were asked to generate a comprehensive treatment plan at the start and end of their clinical rotation. These treatment plans were analyzed to quantify gains in clinical knowledge. The proportion of students addressing each of the minimum competencies pre- and post-rotation was assessed using McNemar’s test for correlated proportions.

RESULTS

At the end of the clerkship, students demonstrated statistically significant knowledge acquisition gains in 13 out of the 27 competencies, with notable performance improvement (>30% change) in cognitive concerns, falls screening / management, and deprescribing. Students demonstrated gains (albeit statistically insignificant) in nine of the competencies. Of the 5Ms, demonstrating competency in “multi-complexity” proved to be the most difficult, with only two out of 11 targets showing statistically significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

This novel case-based assessment was developed using the Geriatric 5Ms framework. The assessment tool was piloted within a geriatric clerkship and provided preliminary feasibility in evaluating competency in core geriatric principles – which can subsequently guide curricular revision and expansion.

Suggested Reviewers

Contact information for recommended reviewers can be found in our cover letter. The names of our recommended geriatric reviewers are Dr. Christopher Azzolino and Dr. Lilli Flink

Recommended Citation

Hersh, Lauren R. MD; Cunningham, Amy PhD, MPH; and Wu, Xiya MD (2026) "Evaluating Medical Student Geriatric Competency Using a 5Ms-Based Assessment Tool," Cooper Rowan Medical Journal: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: 10.31986/issn.2578.3343_vol7iss1.4
Available at: https://rdw.rowan.edu/crjcsm/vol7/iss1/4