School of Graduate Education

Strategic Priority - Education that adds value to the system and targets the health of larger community

MBS students 'HELP' improve quality of life for elderly patients

Sixteen Geisinger School of Graduate Education Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students will spend some time this semester working to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients, thanks to a partnership with Geisinger Volunteer Services’ Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).

Student HELP volunteers spend time interacting with patients while watching for signs of delirium. During their weekly shift, they provide companionship and aid with walking and meals.

Since the partnership with the MBS students began in 2020, the program reports increases in patient satisfaction and decreases in fall rates, readmissions and length of stay for HELP patients at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center.

In addition to personal satisfaction, the student experience is enhanced by the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary clinical team and gain research opportunities.

Commencement

Geisinger College of Health Sciences conferred 56 Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degrees upon students who composed Geisinger Commonwealth’s MBS Class of 2023. Commencement ceremonies were held virtually.