AVIT Program
Program Contact Information
What is Alzheimer's Virtual Interprofessional Training?
Alzheimer's Virtual Interprofessional Training (AVIT) is a novel interprofessional training program. Students utilize the Virtual World Second Life for a firsthand educational experience that allows them to better learn the role of patient, provider, caregiver, and observer.
Learn More About Our Virtual Patient Ms. Jenkins
The simulation follows the care of a woman, Ms. Jenkins, from her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, to her stay in an assisted living setting. Participants work on interprofessional teams of 4-5 students and enact three simulation cases following Ms. Jenkins’ care. Team members take turns playing different roles (patient, caregiver, provider, etc.) during each case. Each team is guided through the simulations by faculty facilitators, who also debrief teams after each case and at the conclusion of the simulation program.
This opportunity is open to health profession students who are advanced in their program of study. We do ask students to prepare themselves ahead of time for their scheduled AVIT simulation by checking their technology compatibility, reading about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and taking a brief pre-program survey.
AVIT Team
Jeannette M. Kates, PhD, CRNP, AGPCNP-BC, GNP-BC
AVIT Faculty Lead
Susan Toth-Cohen, PhD, OTR/L
AVIT Faculty Lead
Kerry DiNardo, MS
Simulation Programs Coordinator
Melicia Edmonds
Program Assistant