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Table 1 Subthemes within thematic framework of results

From: Using simulation to explore medical students’ understanding of integrated care within geriatrics

Theme 1. Students reflected on the experiences of complex geriatric patients

1.1 Students reported an increased understanding of the challenges of co-occurring physical and mental health needs and how psychosocial issues can contribute to health, as well as one’s experience navigating the system

1.2 Students reported increased appreciation of individual patients’ values, culture and belief systems, autonomy, as well as patients’ understanding of their own physical and mental health

1.3 Students expressed frustrations when their views and needs as patients were dismissed

Theme 2. Students reflected on the system of care

2.1 Students expressed an understanding of the proposed value of an interprofessional support system

2.2 Students reported that the interprofessional system was overwhelming when not effectively coordinated

2.3 Students identified psychosocial factors, belief systems, and logistics of care as important barriers to accessing healthcare

2.4 Students reflected on the goals of the healthcare services provided by the HCPs and the healthcare system as a whole

Theme 3. Students increased their understanding of integrated care after struggling with care navigation

3.1 Students identified the act of managing extensive multi-source information and a cognitive overload of information as primary challenges to understanding patient conditions and the implementation of care plans

3.2 Students reported increased understanding of the challenges of navigating the healthcare system for patients with co-occurring physical and mental health needs with particular emphasis on the importance of catering to individualized psychosocial needs

Theme 4. Students aspired to facilitate care integration

4.1 A central aspiration among students was to adapt to and integrate the different physical, mental, and psychosocial needs of their patients to provide holistic patient care

4.2 Students discussed the need to spend more time building a therapeutic alliance with their patients where they respect patient autonomy, perspectives, and decision-making

4.3 Students identified learning more about community and government resources to better address psychosocial needs

4.4 Students described the importance of adopting communication skills that will allow them to achieve their proposed framework of care