The Azusa Pacific University Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is proud to announce the acceptance of three innovative abstracts for presentation at the upcoming Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place on November 12 – 15, 2025 in Boston, MA. These projects reflect our commitment to advancing geriatric care through education, technology, and interprofessional collaboration.
1. Immersive Simulation Training: Enhancing Geriatric Care through Remote Patient Monitoring
This pilot study explores how immersive simulation using Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) devices can deepen nurse practitioner students’ understanding of chronic disease management in older adults. By experiencing the patient perspective firsthand, students gained insights into the challenges of medication adherence and technology use, while also recognizing RPM’s potential to prevent hospitalizations and promote team-based care.
Authors:
- David Picella, PhD, FNP, CNS, GS-C, CPG
- Sanggon Nam, PhD
- Lowell Renold, PhD
2. Developing and Implementing Age-Friendly Care: Interprofessional Course for Underserved Populations
This abstract highlights the development of a 12-week hybrid interprofessional course designed by the APU GWEP Interprofessional Education Council. The course, grounded in the Age-Friendly Health Systems’ 4Ms framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility), equips students from diverse disciplines to collaboratively address the needs of underserved older adults.
Authors:
- Diana L. Woods, PhD, APRN-BC, FGSA, FAAN
- David Picella, PhD, FNP, CNS, GS-C, CPG
- Adria Navarro, PhD, LCSW
- Adam Solomon
- Diane Chau, MD
- Nghia Pham, PharmD
- Amit Khurana, PharmD
- Traci Frees, LCSW
3. Remote Patient Monitoring: A Case of Lower Utilization, Enhanced Self-Management, and Improved Quality of Life
This compelling case study demonstrates how RPM transformed the life of an older adult with complex cardiac conditions. Through daily monitoring and remote interventions, the patient avoided hospitalizations for over eight months, gained independence, and reported improved emotional well-being. The study advocates for broader access to RPM technologies and policy reforms to support their integration.
Authors:
- David Picella, PhD, FNP, CNS, GS-C, CPG
- Valerie Smith, PhD, RN, MSN, CCRN
- Ji Yoo, MD
- Sanggon Nam, PhD
- Diane Chau, MD
- Ashraf Memon, MS
These abstracts showcase the APU GWEP team’s dedication to innovative, person-centered approaches in geriatric care. We are honored to contribute to the national dialogue on aging and look forward to sharing our work at GSA.
