Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults from Coursera

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Syllabus

Introduction & Module I: Medication Management and Physiology of Aging

Older adults are more likely to consume more prescription and non-prescription medications, and this can place them at high risk for unintended harmful effects. An important component of the care of older adults relates to medication management. This course offers healthcare professionals and learners a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management. It aims to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing for older adults. Through a series of engaging presentations, attendees will explore key concepts in pharmacology, evidence-based frameworks, and interdisciplinary practical strategies to optimize prescribing practices and enhance patient care across the continuum of care sites. This introductory module will introduce the Geriatric 5Ms framework and then discuss the basic science concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as it relates to medication management in older adults. It will emphasize the importance of calculating accurate renal function in older adults and explore the reasoning behind the prescribing mantra “Start Low and Go Slow” in older people. It will highlight the special considerations of medication prescribing in older adults with certain geriatric syndromes like frailty, dementia and multimorbidity.

Module II: Key Concepts in Prescribing for Older Adults

This module will delve into key concepts and definitions of polypharmacy, adverse drug events (ADE), prescribing cascades and medication nonadherence. The module will explore types of ADEs using examples of drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-herbal interactions, and highlight the impact of ADEs on morbidity and mortality. These will serve as foundational knowledge for course participants in building their skill and behavior on safe prescribing for older adults, as they navigate through the rest of the modules of the course.

Module III: Tools and Strategies to Reduce Inappropriate Prescribing

This module will identify tools and strategies to reduce inappropriate prescribing including smart phone applications, physical adherence aids and guidelines such as the AGS Beers criteria. It will also introduce a Hierarchy of Medication Evaluation which can help prescribers assess medications before they prescribe them. Patient case examples will be used to apply the concepts of rationale prescribing and deprescribing.

Module IV: Role of Interdisciplinary Teams and System-based interventions in Improving Safe Prescribing during Care Transitions

Older adults are more likely to experience more complex care transitions within the health care system and require additional support to address issues such as polypharmacy and adverse drug effects. This module will explore the essential components involved in safe care transitions between different settings of care for older patients. It will emphasize the role of interdisciplinary teams in ensuring seamless transitions and effective information sharing. Additionally, this module will introduce practical tools to guide clinicians in safe prescribing practices for this vulnerable patient population.

Module V: Integrating Geriatric Prescribing Principles Using Evidence-Based Frameworks

Medication management in older adults is complex and requires careful consideration to address issues such as polypharmacy and adverse drug effects. In this final module of the course, participants will review several case-based scenarios to apply concepts learned in previous modules of this course and integrate the Geriatric 5Ms framework and American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and American Society of Clinical Pharmacists (ASCP) Choosing Wisely recommendations to help guide clinical decisions related to medical management for older adults.

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Examines strategies to reduce inappropriate prescribing in older adults, enhancing patient safety

Emphasizes the importance of calculating accurate renal function and medication adherence in older adults

Taught by instructors with expertise in geriatric pharmacology and prescribing for older adults

Explores the complexities of polypharmacy and adverse drug effects in older adults, providing practical tools for management

Provides evidence-based frameworks and recommendations to guide clinical decision-making for medication management in older adults

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults with these activities:

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

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Explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance medication management and patient care.

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Read articles on the benefits of interdisciplinary care in geriatric medicine
Watch videos on effective communication strategies for healthcare professionals
Attend a workshop or webinar on interdisciplinary collaboration

Medication Case Reviews

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Analyze medication regimens and identify potential problems to improve understanding of medication management in older adults.

Browse courses on Medication Adherence

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Review medication lists and identify potential drug interactions
Assess medication adherence and identify strategies to improve it
Develop a plan to address polypharmacy and reduce inappropriate prescribing

Medication Management Clinic

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Gain hands-on experience in medication management by volunteering at a clinic, enhancing practical skills and understanding of patient care.

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Contact local clinics or organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training sessions to learn about the clinic's procedures and policies
Assist healthcare professionals with medication reviews and patient counseling

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Medication Management Plan

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Develop a personalized medication management plan for a patient, applying knowledge of geriatric pharmacology and principles of safe and effective prescribing.

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Collect patient data, including medical history, medications, and health goals
Review medications and identify potential problems
Develop a comprehensive medication plan that addresses the patient's needs
Monitor the patient's progress and make adjustments as needed

Patient Education Brochure

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Develop educational materials to improve patient understanding of medication management, promoting medication adherence and safety.

Browse courses on Patient Education

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Identify key concepts to include in the brochure
Write clear and concise content using patient-friendly language
Design the brochure using visually appealing and accessible graphics

Medication Management Case Competition

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Participate in a competition to showcase and refine medication management skills, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Browse courses on Patient-Centered Care

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Form a team with other healthcare professionals
Analyze a complex medication management case
Develop and present a comprehensive care plan

Geriatric Medication Management Mentor

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Share knowledge and expertise by mentoring junior healthcare professionals or students interested in geriatric medication management, fostering the development of future professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Professional Development

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Identify potential mentees through professional organizations or educational institutions
Establish regular meetings and provide guidance on medication management principles
Share clinical experiences and case studies to enhance mentees' understanding

Career center

Learners who complete Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geriatric Pharmacist

Geriatric pharmacists play a vital role in medication management for older adults. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management. It equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing for older adults. The course covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by geriatric pharmacists.

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Gerontologist

Gerontologists specialize in the care of older adults and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community-based organizations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for gerontologists. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by gerontologists.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for physician assistants who care for older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by physician assistants.

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Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide direct patient care and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for registered nurses who care for older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by registered nurses.

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Clinical Pharmacist

Clinical pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. They provide medication-related care to patients and may also be involved in research and education. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for clinical pharmacists who care for older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by clinical pharmacists.

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Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners provide primary care to older adults and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for nurse practitioners who care for older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by nurse practitioners.

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Physician

Physicians provide medical care to older adults and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for physicians who care for older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by physicians.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help older adults to improve their mobility and function. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for physical therapists who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by physical therapists.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help older adults to maintain their independence and function in their daily lives. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for occupational therapists who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by occupational therapists.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide a variety of services to older adults, including case management, counseling, and advocacy. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for social workers who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by social workers.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help older adults to improve their communication and swallowing abilities. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for speech-language pathologists who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by speech-language pathologists.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide medication-related information to older adults. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for pharmacists who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by pharmacists.

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Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses provide health education and prevention services to older adults. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for public health nurses who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by public health nurses.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the operation of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for healthcare administrators who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by healthcare administrators.

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Case Manager

Case managers coordinate care for older adults and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and their implications on medication management, which is essential knowledge for case managers who work with older adults. The course also covers key concepts such as polypharmacy, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence, which are commonly encountered by case managers.

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Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults

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