Authors:
Fran Laughton, RN, PHN, MSN, FNP
Tracey Long, PhD, RN, APRN
Contact hours: 2
Expiration date: August 1, 2023
Course price: $19
50% off thru 7-31-2023--Use Code AMJ during payment.
Course Summary
Outlines the serious and often life-threatening problem of polypharmacy in elders, including the increased risk for falls. Pharmacodynamics are explained in context of the geriatric population. Beers criteria, used to identify inappropriate medications for older adults, is introduced. Includes measures to improve medication management and to enhance compliance.
The following course information applies to occupational therapy professionals:
- Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, OTAs
- Instructional Level: Intermediate
- Content Focus: Category 1—Domain of OT, Client Factors
Criteria for Successful Completion
Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less than 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.
Accreditation
To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course you will be able to:
- Identify the problem of polypharmacy in elders and summarize the risks of multiple medications.
- Discuss physiologic changes of aging that impact the efficacy of medications and distinguish between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Explain the Beers criteria and additional screening strategies for identifying inappropriate medications for older adults.
- Identify adverse results of polypharmacy.
- Relate polypharmacy to the risk for falls in older adults.
- List ways of improving medication management for elders.