Advancing Gerontological Health Education (RPA Pilot / Seed Project)

In sexual health education, models such as synthetic penises and vaginas are used for didactic teaching and behavioral skills training. Most models are reflective of reproductive processes (i.e., a vagina for a gynecological exam) or birth control (i.e., condom training). These popular training topics leave out the physiological changes related to age and co-morbidities, because their target population continues to be younger adults, particularly younger women. A training model for this population should address and identify the morphology and physiology of older adults. Current models do not have these features, and they are not modifiable. Currently, there are no health education models used in sexual health education programs that reflect the aging process. The applicants are proposing to develop an audience-specific health education tool as a 2-D flash card. Using the 3-Corner Collaborative Design Model as an organizing framework, these flash cards will be produced for patient education and educator training. This is the first phase of a multi-stage project to create 3-D health training models that have distinct anatomical features that reflect aging genitalia, and will be done in collaboration with the College of Fine Arts.