Introduction to Unfolding Cases

The Simulation Team Advancing Gerontological Education Strategies (STAGES) developed four unfolding cases, designed to be used throughout the curriculum, to provide faculty with tools to help them incorporate the ACES framework into their teaching/learning activities.

An unfolding case is one that evolves over time in a manner that is unpredictable to the learner. New situations develop and are revealed with each encounter. Each case includes the following.

• A first person monologue that introduces the individual or couple and the complex problems they are facing
• Simulation scenarios, designed to help students practice assessing function and expectations of their patient(s), with links to appropriate assessment tools from the "try this" series included
• An innovative final assignment that asks students to "finish the story"
• An instructor toolkit with suggestions on how to use the various parts of the unfolding cases and incorporate them into the curriculum

The four cases are:

• Millie Larsen - for students in their first clinical course
• Red Yoder - for students in second or third level courses
• Henry and Ertha Williams - for students in second or third level courses
• Julia Morales and Lucy Grey - for students who are in their final semester.

All of the cases are designed to meet the general objectives listed below, but each case has its own specific objectives.

Upon completion of this unfolding case study the learner will:

1. Assess the function and expectations of the older adult using valid and reliable assessment tools.
2. Recognize atypical presentations in the older adult.
3. Identify geriatric syndromes evident in the unfolding case.
4. Use emerging evidence and best practices to develop and implement a plan of care
5. Make appropriate judgments regarding the risks and benefits of care decisions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the older adult, and significant others.

These unfolding cases combine the power of story telling with the experiential nature of simulation scenarios. They are intended to create a robust, meaningful experience for students that provides a simulated experience of continuity of care and one which will help them integrate the concepts and essential nursing actions from the ACES framework into their practice of nursing. We hope you will give them a try!

The Millie case is available at this time. Click here to go to the Millie case.

The remaining 3 cases will be posted here by March 31, 2011.

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