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Full Course Description

Using Whole Brain Living to Improve Your Relationships with Older Adult Patients

For half a century we have been trained to believe that our right brain hemisphere is our emotional brain, while our left brain houses our rational thinking. It is common knowledge in the world of neuroscience that it is not that simple.  In fact, our emotional limbic tissue is evenly divided between our two hemispheres, which means that each hemisphere has both an emotional module and a thinking module of cells. In this groundbreaking session, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor will present these four distinct groups of cells as Four Characters that make up who we are: Character 1, Left Thinking; Character 2, Left Emotion; Character 3, Right Emotion; and Character 4, Right Thinking. Dr. Taylor will introduce us to each of our Four Characters (which coincidentally overlap with Carl Jungs’ four archetypes), as well as guide us into how we can apply this information when working with our older patients so we all can lead happier and more peaceful lives.

Dr. Jill will also introduce the BRAIN Huddle—a tool we can use to tap into each of our own Four Characters so we can choose how we want to interact and be perceived by our older patients on a moment-by-moment basis. In addition to these personal insights, we will gain the ability to recognize which of the Four Characters our older patients are embodying, and how best we might interact with them to help them return to their more peaceful state. These tools are sure to help our relationships with our older patients.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Talk about several common myths about the brain that are not true.
  2. Gain a brief understanding about how the mammalian nervous system evolves over time and the difference between the human brain and other mammals at a neuroanatomical level.
  3. Describe the anatomy and skill sets of each of the Four Characters.
  4. Discuss how to call and use the BRAIN Huddle tool.
  5. Explain the power of the 90 Second Rule.
  6. Gain insight into how to apply this material to your relationships with your older adult patients.

Outline

Common Myths about the Brain

  • Debunk the 10% myth
  • Debunking left and right hemisphere myth
  • Debunk first 3 years (neurogenesis and neuroplasticity) myth
Four Characters of the Brain
  • Evolution of nervous system from reptile, mammal, human
  • Four distinct modules of cells in human brain
  • Left Thinking, Left Emotion, Right Emotion and Right Thinking
  • Unique skill sets and resultant personalties we all have
  • Relationship between Four Characters and Carl Jung’s Four Archetypes
BRAIN Huddle Tool
  • Tap into your own Four Characters
  • 90 Second Rule
  • The value of this material to your own life
Applying to your Older Adult Patient Relationships
  • Characters older patients embody
  • Interacting with your older patients
  • Returning to a peaceful state

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2022

Keeping Patients Off the Floor: Identifying Fall Risk and Preventing Falls in Aging Adults Throughout the Continuum of Care

This session will provide insight into identification of potential patient fall risk factors throughout the continuum of care. As falls have been identified by the CDC as a public health challenge, costing aging individuals their independence and quality of life, and related healthcare costs upwards of $50 billion dollars for non-fatal falls, fall prevention has become a nationally recognized initiative. Participants will learn how to integrate approaches to facilitate prevention of falls through appropriate patient management including screening, intervention and referral.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine the magnitude of falls in the aging population.
  2. Identify causes of patient fall risk throughout the continuum of care.
  3. Acknowledge the signs of a patient at risk for falls in common healthcare settings and in the home.
  4. Synthesize the impact of polypharmacy on fall risk.
  5. Integrate strategies for fall prevention.
  6. Perform screening for fall risk and determine appropriate referral services as indicated.

Outline

  • Introduction to falls; magnitude and impact
    • Falls are not part of normal aging
  • Roles of different healthcare professionals in identifying factors that contribute to fall risk and falls, throughout the continuum of care
    • It takes a team
  • Strategies for decreasing or preventing falls in aging adults
    • Looking at the right things, subtle and obvious
  • Polypharmacy and impact on balance and fall causation
    • One versus many
  • Integrating CDC STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries, recommendations for fall prevention

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2022

Nourishing the Older Adult: Challenges and Controversies

In this session, Liz will provide a general overview of the nutritional needs of older adults and components of nutrition assessment that are unique to this population. She will outline key nutrients needed by older adults, the roles they play, and food sources of those nutrients. She will discuss the use of dietary supplements and other ways to meet an older adult’s unique nutritional needs.  She will also address topics that are perceived to be controversial including the obesity paradox, the use of therapeutic diets for disease management of older adults, and the relationship of diet to cognitive decline.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Identify at least 4 factors related to aging that can affect nutritional status in older adults.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of macronutrients needed for the health of older adults.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of micronutrients needed for the health of older adults.
  4. Select appropriate nutrition interventions to help promote health and longevity in older adults.

Outline

Introduction

  • Demographics and health status of older adults
    • Life expectancy
    • Health status/Health concerns of older adults
    • Where do older adults reside (community dwelling vs. post-acute care)
    • Rates of obesity and frailty
Nutrition assessment of older adults
  • Factors unique to older adults
  • Identifying over nutrition and under nutrition
    • Body mass index
    • Serum albumin
    • Academy/ASPEN criteria for identification of malnutrition
  • Potential barriers to providing effective nutrition interventions
Nutrients needed for good health
  • Food sources
  • Roles of nutrients in the body
  • Use of dietary supplements to meet nutritional needs
  • Meeting nutritional needs when food intake is inadequate
Controversies
  • The obesity paradox
  • Using therapeutic diets to treat disease
  • Can diet prevent cognitive decline?

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2022

Pharmacology in the Older Adult

Older adults are a unique subset of patients that required customization of medications. In this session, we will take a deep dive into issues in geriatric pharmacology. Eric will explore the physiological differences of the older adult, the perils of polypharmacy and the prescription cascade, BEERS criteria, deprescribing, and other topics that are important in understanding medications in the older adult. Also included will be information about drug interactions, including over the counter medications, high risk medications, and high risk drug-disease interactions.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Identify physiological differences of the older adult and how that impacts medication management.
  2. Recognize potentially inappropriate and high-risk medications in the geriatric patient utilizing the Beers criteria.
  3. Discuss the risks of polypharmacy and the prescribing cascade.
  4. Identify common drug interactions with over-the-counter medications that will negatively impact our geriatric patients.

Outline

  • Physiological differences of the older adult
  • Perils of polypharmacy and the prescription cascade
    • BEERS criteria
    • Deprescribing
  • Drug interactions
    • Over the counter medications
  • High risk medications
    • High risk drug-disease interaction

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2022

Intentional Caregiving – Revisiting the Psycho-Social Assessment

In this session we revisit the Psycho-Social assessment. Be prepared to check your own pulse as we further examine how to care for others - with intention. This recording will take a closer look at the importance of drug-to-drug side effects and the impact of medical reconciliation in achieving positive outcomes. You will further understand caregiving variables and how the intersection of familial culture, evidenced based practice, patient expectations and comorbid risk can affect the care of the aging client.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the uniqueness between personal and professional caregiver roles.
  2. Analyze the overlap between the clinical and bedside geriatric assessment.
  3. Determine the current pharmacological options for geriatric mental health needs.

Outline

The Psychosocial Interview:  Examination of the Components

  • Modifiable risk factors
  • Disease prevention
  • Medical reconciliation
  • Cultural assessment
  • Mental health risk assessment
Strength and Support
  • The Caregiver
    • Assigning family roles
    • Interpersonal communication
  • Community resources
  • Patient advocacy
  • Financial planning
Pharmacological Management of Challenging Behaviors
  • Antidepressants and anxiolytics
  • Dementia agents
  • Antipsychotics
  • Mindful of mimics – A closer look at blood glucose, thyroid and bp management

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/30/2022

Differentiating Dementia and Developing a Management Plan

This session explores the clinical evaluation of dementia and the cognitive assessment tools we use. Profiles of common dementias will be discussed as well as the associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. Important components of a management plan for clients with dementia will be addressed, including a review of realistic goals, meaningful interventions, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia.
  2. Differentiate between at least two types of dementia.
  3. Identify at least three nonpharmacologic care considerations for the client with dementia.
  4. Identify at least three pharmacologic care considerations for the client with dementia.

Outline

  • Clinical Evaluation of Dementia
    • Differentiate between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, delirium, and early dementia
    • The clinical evaluation
    • Common cognitive assessment tools
  • Types of Dementia
    • Profiles of common dementias
    • Diagnosis and treatment of common dementias
  • Nonpharmacologic Care Considerations
    • Cognitive interventions
    • Environmental modifications
    • Interpersonal Approaches
  • Pharmacologic Care Considerations
    • Dementia stabilization therapy (ACHEI, NMDA receptor antagonist, Amyloid Beta directed antibody)- Limitations of the research and potential risks
    • Neuropsychiatric symptom management (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antianxiety agents, antidepressants…)- Limitations of the research and potential risks

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/30/2022

Improve Your Influence and Impact in the Geriatric Industry

In this session, you will learn how to improve your influence and impact in the geriatric industry by following the MENTOR method. M is meeting a need/niche is your specific area of field. E is how to educate, empower and equip that specific niche or audience you are wanting to serve. N is how to find a Network of individuals. T is how to find a Team of Winners to win in social media. O is how to provide one on one coaching to that specific niche you are serving and R is how to find that repeat or recurring revenue to achieve financial independence.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze your talents to pursue your own practice niche.
  2. Develop the skills to find and network with likeminded individuals at the end of the class.
  3. Plan for recurring revenue opportunities that you can put to immediate use.
  4. Determine how your own team of winners can be identified, to prevent burn out.

Outline

The MENTOR Method to Improve Geriatric Influence and Impact

M - Meet a Need/Niche
E - Educate, Empower and Equip
N - Network
T - Team of Winners
O - One on One Mentorship/Coaching
R - Repeat or Recurring Revenue

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 09/30/2022

Wound Prevention and Management: An Integrated Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Chronic wounds are increasing in parallel with population aging and no single discipline has the breadth of skillset needed to recognize the risks factors, the wound types, or the evidence-based management strategies. Further, working through the lens of patient-centered care means that not all 'wounds' can heal, but we can strive to heal the person with the wound. This session will provide participants with the ability to understand the risk factors of chronic wounds and non-healing, recognized the most common chronic wound types, like pressure injuries, lower extremity arterial wounds, venous leg ulcers, and neuropathic ulcers. Further, basic interventions and treatment pathways will be discussed and considered within the lens of patient-centered care. This session will provide participants with the tools to empower team collaboration and ultimately implement patient centered-wound care.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Describe the societal impact of the staggering increase of chronic wounds today and what that means to patients, to health providers, and to health care.
  2. Clearly recognize the primary chronic wound types by characteristics; such as pressure injuries, lower extremity arterial wounds, venous leg ulcers, and neuropathic ulcers.
  3. Challenge the traditional conceptual model of wound healing through evidenced based pathways of wound treatments and interventions through the lens of patient care, challenging concepts of outcomes and "healing.”
  4. Apply evidence-based strategies to influence, implement, and sustain practice or patient-centered wound management.

Outline

I.  State of Chronic Wounds today 

  • Pop Aging 
  • Social Determinants- causal factors, relationship to risk factors and chronic wounds 
  • Pressure Injuries, Lower Extremity Arterial, Venous Ulcers, Neuropathic, other 
  • Med-centric vs. Patient Centered care    
II.  Healing – what it takes 
  • Pathways of care by wound type 
  • Patient story with photos 
  • Determining goals of care 
III.  Team Collaboration 
  • Who are the players? 
  • Game Rules 
  • Other drivers of care (wound literacy, perception, regulation, litigation) 
IV.  Implementation and Behavior Change 
  • Stages of Change 
  • Social Cognitive Theory 
  • Emotional impact of wounds 
  • Metrics that matter 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Other Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 08/03/2022

End of Life: Palliative and Hospice Care Benefits

Caring for patients facing the end of their lives requires extreme sensitivity, deep compassion, and extraordinary knowledge. To deliver informed and compassionate care, healthcare professionals need to understand the differences between hospice and palliative care.

You will leave this session with concrete strategies to identify patients for whom aggressive therapy is not appropriate, skills to work through palliative referral and financial considerations, and the latest when it comes to hospice eligibility criteria.

Each end-of-life patient trusted to your care deserves to be optimally supported, on the final journey of their life.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine referral considerations for palliative care.
  2. Analyze the myths surrounding hospice care.
  3. Differentiate between hospice and palliative care services.
  4. Evaluate the eight domains of the National Consensus Project.

Outline

Pillars of Palliative Care 

  • National Consensus Report 
  • Referral considerations 
  • Financial considerations 
  • Barriers and Benefits to PC 
Hospice 
  • Services 
  • IDG/IDT 
  • Medicare benefit (levels of care) 
  • Eligibility criteria 
  • Financial considerations 
  • Barriers and Benefits to Hospice 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Social Workers
  • Case Managers
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech Language Pathologists

Copyright : 08/29/2022

Antibiotic Selection for the Geriatric Population

It’s challenging to stay current on the evolving best treatments for c.difficile, community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections. This session will also deliver an evidence-based assessment of penicillin allergies in the geriatric population. Eric Wombwell, PharmD, BCIDP, a board-certified infectious diseases pharmacist, will deliver the very latest updates so you can confidently choose the most effective medications for your older patients, while also considering the importance of minimizing adverse risks.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Evaluate beta-lactam reaction histories to make evidence-based decisions on the need to avoid beta-lactam therapies.
  2. Formulate effective care plans that limit risk for Clostridioides difficile infections.
  3. Select anti-infectives to treat Clostridioides difficile that reduce the risk for recurrent infections.
  4. Develop risk factor–based empiric antibiotic regimens for patients with suspected community-acquired pneumonia.
  5. Design safe and effective care plans for urinary tract infections.
  6. Choose effective antibiotic therapies that minimize risk for adverse effects in the geriatric population.

Outline

Penicillin Allergy

  • Side Effect vs. Allergy
  • Reassessing Allergy Statistics
  • Cephalosporin Cross-sensitivity
C. difficile Infections
  • Vancomycin vs. Fidaxomicin
  • Managing Recurrence
  • Probiotic Assessment
Community Acquired Pneumonia
  • Assess 2019 ATS/IDSA Guidelines
  • Streptococcus pneumonia Resistance
  • Evaluate and Contrast Oral Therapies for CAP
Urinary Tract Infections
  • E.coli Resistance
  • Efficacy and safety considerations antibiotics
  • Considerations for recurrent UTI

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 08/18/2022

Challenging Geriatric Behaviors: Root Causes and Practical Non-Medication Solutions

Behavior challenges are some of the most difficult problems family care partners and professional caregivers face when caring for an aging loved one or a person living with dementia. You will learn about the root causes of behavior challenges, a framework to assess, prevent, and manage behaviors, and a number of other non-medication-based strategies that really work!

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Apply the three-component framework of geriatric and dementia-related behaviors to understand, prevent, and manage situations that occur in your practice setting.
  2. Differentiate between those behavior changes seen with normal aging and early-stage dementia to those typical of moderate- to late-stage dementia.
  3. Analyze the principles of attachment loss and separation distress to manage the most challenging geriatric behaviors safely, effectively, confidently, and compassionately.

Outline

Key Approaches to Geriatric/Dementia-Related Behaviors 

  • Medical/mental health issues with the person 
  • Caregiver challenges 
  • Environmental causes 
  • Applying a new framework to clinical practice 
Solve Common Challenging Geriatric Behavioral Expressions  
  • Secure and insecure attachment 
  • Separation distress 
  • Seeking and withdrawn responses 
Challenging Behaviors with Aging and Dementia 
  • Apathy 
  • Lack of insight/denial 
  • Impaired judgment 
  • Repetitive and persistent behaviors 
  • Lost identity 
  • Delusions and hallucinations 
  • Behavioral disinhibition 
  • Obsessive/compulsive behaviors and hoarding 
  • Agitation and aggression 
  • Wandering 
  • Sexual behaviors 
  • Resisting care 
  • Sundowning 
  • Refusing to eat and other nutrition issues 
  • Insomnia, day/night reversal, and other sleep issues 
  • Acknowledge/affirm/redirect 
  • Keep it short/simple/safe 
  • Reminiscence approaches 
  • Mindfulness 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Ethnogeriatrics: Cultural Competence for Health Care Professionals

The number and proportions of older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds is growing and expected to be one-third of the population by 2050. As a result, more than ever, you are responsible to provide culturally competent care. Tamatha Arms, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, will share highlights from her vast clinical experiences caring for diverse patient populations.  An evidence-based cultural competence model will be integral to your own confident delivery of ethnogeriatric care afterwards! 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Evaluate Kleinman’s Explanatory Model for the care of culturally diverse patients. 
  2. Differentiate the ways culture and ethnicity affect a patient’s response to healthcare providers. 
  3. Apply the concepts of cultural humility when working with patients from diverse cultural groups. 

Outline

  • Ethnogeriatrics: Awareness of unique healthcare needs for diverse ethnic backgrounds 
  • Pentad of culture 
  • Acculturation: Demographics of older adults 
  • Impact of culturally competent care 
  • Kleinman’s Explanatory Model: Application to culturally competent care 
  • Cultural humility 
  • Ways culture affects healthcare: Beliefs and principles, meaning placed on values, actions and responses driven by values 
  • Religious beliefs 
  • Family network and support: Patriarchal vs. matriarchal structure 
  • Respect for authority 
  • Traditional foods and healing practices 
  • Cultural taboos 
  • End of life care decisions 
  • Use of interpreters 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Pharmacology Update for Common Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders represent one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality that adversely affect the lifestyle of patients and a major percentage of these diseases result in disability. More conservative prescribing has the potential to reduce adverse drug events and patient harm and cost; however, no method exists defining the extent to which individual clinicians prescribe conservatively. One potential domain is prescribing a more limited number of drugs. Personal formularies—defined as the number and mix of unique, newly initiated drugs prescribed by a physician—may enable comparisons among clinicians, practices, and institutions.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Plan for use of the current best medications in the care of neuroscience patients. 
  2. Develop a specialty list for your practice, to become more familiar with commonly used medications in neuroscience patients. 
  3. Determine half-life, available routes and refill requirements of these commonly used medications 
  4. Evaluate the current patient medications regimens and develop strategies on when to refer a patient to a specialist. 

Outline

  • Headaches/migraines 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Peripheral neuropathy 
  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders 
  • Dementia 
  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Chiari malformation 
  • Dystonia 
  • Huntington’s disease 
  • Hyperexplexia 
  • Muscular dystrophy 
  • Myasthenia gravis 
  • Myopathy 
  • Primary orthostatic tremor 
  • Restless leg syndrome 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants

Copyright : 02/09/2022

Geriatric Assessment Strategies: Atypical Symptoms & Complex Diagnoses

Geriatric patients are a vulnerable population and health care providers may be the hope that these patients need. Atypical presentation of symptoms adds a layer of complexity to accurately diagnose and treat. Both rapid and detailed assessments tools will gather key patient data to make informed decisions. Susann Varano, MD, will share her best practice tips for falls, elder mistreatment, cognitive function, depression, and general physical examination. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Assess the functional ability of the older adult. 
  2. Diagnose depression in the complex older adult using validated assessment tools. 
  3. Determine if elder abuse is present in your patient population. 
  4. Apply fall assessment knowledge to improve quality of life for your patients. 

Outline

Physical Assessment 

  • Functional status 
  • Nutrition 
  • Vision 
  • Hearing 
Assessment of Falls 
  • History and context of a fall event 
  • Timed Get Up And Go Test 
  • Chair Stand Test 
  • Gait and Balance Testing 
    • Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale 
    • Observational 
  • Orthostatic vital signs 
  • Medication review 
  • Vision check 
Assessing for Elder Mistreatment 
  • History 
    • Interview patient and caregiver separately 
    • Begin with broad based questions 
    • Be nonjudgmental with caregivers 
  • Physical 
    • Poor hygiene 
    • Dirty/torn/inappropriate clothing 
    • Neglected hair/nails 
  • Injuries 
    • Bruises to upper torso 
    • Scratches/skin findings where patient cannot reach 
    • Scalp injuries 
  • Behavior 
    • Expressions of fear, avoidance of caregiver 
    • Lack of eye contact with caregiver 
    • Caregiver insisting on being present for all interactions 
    • Serial switching of healthcare providers 
    • Inconsistent history 
Rapid Screen for Cognitive Function 
  • 3 item recall 
Depression Assessment Tools 
  • The Geriatric Depression Scale 
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) 
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) 
    • Have you been troubled by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless? 
    • Have you expressed little interest or pleasure in doing things? 
  • Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Prescribing for Pain Management: Best Practices for Opioid and Non-Opioid Medications

We are in the midst of an opioid crisis.  Treating chronic pain patients with opioid medications has become more complicated than ever before. The CDC’s published opioid guidelines have caused confusion regarding appropriate pain medication management.  

View Debra Dermady-Ray, RN-BC, MS, ANP-BC, to learn the very latest to safely prescribe pain medications – opioid and nonopioid - to treat chronic pain conditions, while following the CDC guidelines. Debra will help you to identify substance abuse red flags and interpret the Urine Drug Screen results to better prescribe to your patients.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the steps of pain pharmacokinetics to select the best medication options. 
  2. Appraise a patient for at-risk substance use disorder signs. 
  3. Determine current opioid and adjunctive medications for the treatment of chronic pain.  
  4. Demonstrate understanding of the evolving CDC dosing guidelines. 
  5. Evaluate idiosyncrasies of Urine Drug Screen (UDS) results.

Outline

Pharmacokinetics to Guide Medication Decisions 

  • Absorption 
  • Volume distribution 
  • Metabolism 
  • Excretion/Elimination 
  • Aging considerations 

Principles of Analgesia 

  • Individual differences 
  • Assessment of pain relief 

Medications for Pain Management 

  • Non-opioid (adjunctive) medication management: NSAIDs, topical, SNRI’s, TCAs 
  • Side effects, adverse drug reactions & allergic reactions 
  • Dosing schedules 
  • Routes of administration 
  • Drug interactions 
  • Opioid rotation 
  • Opioids medications 
  • Opioid safety 
  • CDC guidelines 

Substance Use Disorder 

  • Addiction 
  • Physical dependence 
  • Tolerance 
  • Withdrawal 
  • Psuedoaddiction 

Standard of Care for Scheduled Pain Medications 

  • Red flag (drug seeking) 
  • Urine Drug Screen results 
  • Pain agreements 
  • The 10 steps to universal precautions in pain medicine 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Pharmacists
  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants

Copyright : 05/19/2022

Documentation Hazards for Geriatric Patient Care: Minimal Care Expectations & Regulatory Standards

Knowing what to chart, how to chart, and when to chart is half the battle of charting regardless of the clinical setting.  Rachel Cartwright-Vanzant Ph.D., MS, LHRM, CCRN-K, has extensive expertise testifying and through work as a risk manager.  She will delve into the very latest documentation categories that lend themselves to litigation and highlight the risks specific to the care of geriatric patients, including attention to minimal care expectations and regulatory standards.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine how scribes are effectively used in clinical practice. 
  2. Differentiate between state staffing and federal staffing requirements.  
  3. Choose an implementation practice to manage polypharmacy. 
  4. Apply the standards of pain assessment to medical record entries. 
  5. Analyze physical findings that could represent forensic evidence.   
  6. Determine if a patient has malnutrition from medical record entries. 
  7. Analyze the current issues that may violate resident rights in long term care. 

Outline

Medical Scribes 

  • Aide in managing documentation of physicians 
  • Charting estimated requirements 
  • Qualifications of scribes 
  • Accountability of medical record entries and treatment plan 
Handling of Informed Consent 
  • Competence and capacity 
  • Four dimensions of competence 
  • Biological age compared to numerical age 
  • Logical considerations 
Frailty Screening Tools 
  • Contributes to rising health care cost 
  • Frailty measurement instruments 
  • Delaying declines and promoting resilience outcome 
Nurse Staffing Standards  
  • Staffing requirements 
  • Basic care and resident rights 
  • Clinical measures of poor quality 
  • State deficiencies 
Polypharmacy Management 
  • Coordination of multiple prescribers 
  • Brown Bag review 
  • Medication reconciliation  
  • Mediation appropriateness 
  • Psychotropic medication specific concerns 
Pain Assessment 
  • Limitations to accurate assessment of pain 
  • Guidelines for pain management 
  • Regulatory standards 
Nutrition Screening 
  • Identify patients with malnutrition 
  • Screening tools 
Physical Findings in Injured Older Adults 
  • Documentation tools for elder abuse and neglect 
  • Improve documentation of potential forensic injuries 
  • Online resources 
Ethical Issues in Long Term Care 
  • Rights of residents in nursing homes 
  • Substance use 
  • Resident-to-resident aggressive behavior 
  • Staff-resident abuse 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Update: Prescribing for Patient Outcome Achievement

Watch double certified Clinical Gastroenterologist Dr Peter Buch, as he provides solutions to your most challenging GI-related challenges in practice.  Focusing on common patient concerns, including H pylori, c difficile, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic constipation, you will take away the latest pharmacologic best practice insights to guide your own prescriptive decisions.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine the current best medication practices for H pylori.
  2. Select up-to-date approaches to manage chronic constipation.
  3. Analyze the best pharmacological strategies for PPI use.
  4. Explore important updates in clostridium difficile treatment.
  5. Plan to incorporate the newest strategies for successful treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Outline

Helicobacter Pylori

  • Testing regimens
  • Clarithromycin resistance and need for quadruple therapy
  • Pill burden and risk of recurrence
  • How to manage refractory H pylori
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  • Who needs chronic therapy
  • REAL side effects of PPIs
Clostridium Difficile
  • Should we still be using Metronidazole?
  • Vancomycin
  • Fidaxomicin
  • Fecal transplants - the ultimate probiotic
  • Bezlotoxumab
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • When to consider 5 ASAs
  • Antibiotics
  • Steroids
  • Antimetabolites
  • Anti TNFs
  • Vedolizumab
  • Ustekinumab
  • Tofacitiniub
  • Biosimilars
Opioid Induced Constipation
  • How to choose among: Osmotic or stimulant laxatives
  • PAMORAS: Naloxegol,Naldemedine, Methylnaltrexone
  • Secretogogues like Lubiprostone
  • Selective 5HT4 agonist like Prucalopride

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants

Copyright : 03/24/2022

Pharmacology of Herbal Therapeutics

Herbal supplements and nutraceuticals are increasingly used by patients to treat common conditions and symptoms. Vanessa Ruiz, ND, RN-BSN, will share from her expertise on their common uses, mechanism of actions, medication interactions, side effects and pharmacokinetic drug-herb interactions. She will discuss supplement product quality and effectiveness in clinical practice. Commonly used supplements such as Black Cohosh, Gingko, Valerian and more will be discussed. After completing this training, you will gain knowledge of integrative treatment in practice and how to incorporate safely in herbs in your treatment plans.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze commonly used medicinal herbs. 
  2. Assess potential drug-to-herb interactions. 
  3. Evaluate pharmacological actions and therapeutics of commonly used herbal medicines. 
  4. Determine appropriate use and indications for herbal medicines and supplementation in the practice. 
  5. Formulate an integrative plan for common patient care ailments. 

Outline

  • Quality, Safety of Supplementation and Herbs  
  • Cardiovascular Support  
  • Anti-inflammatory Herbs and Pain Management 
  • Gastrointestinal Support   
  • Endocrine Support  
  • Pulmonary Support  
  • Immune System Focused Herbs  
  • Common Herbs for Brain Health and Mood  

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants

Copyright : 02/09/2022

Brain Changes: Distinguishing Between Aging, Dementia and Depression

How do you tell when someone is experiencing a ‘senior moment’ and when it might be something more? This session will address the differences between ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ brain aging. It will also help improve your understanding of the brain changes that occur during dementia, and the important ways in which these structural changes contribute to changes in everyday function. In addition, since dementia and depression/anxiety are often closely linked, you will learn the similarities and differences in symptoms of both conditions.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Distinguish between ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ processes of aging, including possible early warning signs of dementia.
  2. Analyze the different types of changes in brain structure and function during the progression of dementia.
  3. Evaluate the differences and similarities between dementia and depression/anxiety.

Outline

Differences Between ‘Normal’ and ‘Not Normal’ Aging

  • Common changes in brain function caused by normal aging
  • Signs and symptoms of ‘not normal’ brain changes due tdementia
    • Four truths about all dementias
  • Other possible causes for ‘not normal’ symptoms
Brain Changes During Dementia
  • Size and structure changes
  • Functional changes: Sensory processing, language processing, memory, vision
  • Relation of structural and functional differences tability and personality changes
  • Effective techniques for approaching someone whis living with dementia
Dementia and Depression/Anxiety
  • Common signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Similarities and differences between dementia and depression/anxiety symptoms

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Older Adults with Pain: Most Effective Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

Pain can very seriously impact activities of daily living and quality of life for our elderly patients. Multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potential for harm make it a challenge to determine the appropriate drug, dosages, and maintenance of therapy. Steven Atkinson, PA-C, MS, will deliver evidence-supported updates for pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies to manage pain in the elderly.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the pathogenesis of pain in the elderly. 
  2. Evaluate screening tools available for the treatment of pain among older adults. 
  3. Differentiate between the most effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies for older adults with pain. 

Outline

Pathogenesis of Pain 

  • Acute vs. persistent pain 
  • Nociceptive vs. neuropathic pain 
  • Physiological changes in the elderly 
Assessing the Geriatric Adult for Pain  
  • A comprehensive geriatric exam 
  • Exam for those with dementia 
  • Evaluate screening tool options 
Multimodal Approaches to Pain Management 
  • Non-pharmacological approaches 
  • Pharmacological approaches 
    • Adjuvant therapies 
    • Opioids - Guidelines specific to geriatrics  
    • Cannabinoids  

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Updates for Treating Depression: Link the Mechanism of Action to the Clinical Target

You see it in your practice setting, too.  Depressive disorders are affecting patients, often in very significant ways.  With almost 60% of mental health care delivery taking place in the primary care setting and most antidepressant prescriptions being written by providers who are not mental health providers, it is essential you are up-to-date to optimally recognize and manage depression.  

JeanAnne Johnson Talbert, DHA, APRN-BC, FNP, PMHNP, an expert in the pharmacological treatment of mental illnesses will examine strategies to combat treatment resistant depression, share how you can link the mechanism of action to the clinical target for patient outcomes and highlight new medication options available. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the neurochemical basis of unipolar depression. 
  2. Determine the mechanism of action, indications, and adverse effects of therapeutic agents used to treat unipolar depression. 
  3. Plan for treatment of unipolar depression by linking the mechanisms of action to the clinical targets to optimize response. 
  4. Choose prescriptive options for treatment resistant depression, including augmentation and switching antidepressants. 
  5. Differentiate between novel and evolving antidepressant agents.

Outline

Diagnostic Criteria  

  • Unipolar depression  
  • Differentiating from bipolar depression 

Neurochemical Changes that Occur in Depression  

  • Selection of antidepressants based upon how they work in the brain 
  • Updates on the different classes of antidepressants:  SSRIs, SNRIs, TCA, MAOI, others 

 
Prescribing Best Practices 

  • Tips on prescribing, dosing, titrating, and discontinuing 
  • How to best augment or make a change to the antidepressant treatment plan  
  • Next steps when the current medication is not providing remission 

New Agents for the Treatment of Unipolar Depression 

  • Mechanism of action 
  • How they are used 
  • Potential adverse effects 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Pharmacists
  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants

Copyright : 05/20/2022

Brain Lesions, Cognitive Changes & Behavioral Control

Patient loads and work expectations ever increase.  Maximizing knowledge of neuroanatomy and dysfunction will assist in the selection of the most appropriate tests and programs to target challenges to patient progress. This session has been specifically designed to dive into site-specific changes within the brain that affect behavior and thinking skills.  Being able to predict patient barriers to engagement and compliance also helps clinicians to train to each patient’s individual needs. Through a comprehensive discussion across disciplines, this course will highlight the essentials every clinician needs to confidently face their cognitively impaired client.   

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the unique functions of each cerebral hemisphere as it applies to normal function and changes to cognitive processing after neuro insult. 
  2. Analyze the specific neurological sites for emotional regulation within the brain by typical vs. atypical function after damage/degeneration.  
  3. Assess how site-specific lesions in the temporoparietal junction effect visuospatial capacity and predict features of anosognosia. 

Outline

Brain Pathophysiology & Lesion Sites 

  • Gray vs white matter  
  • Neuronal anatomy and physiology 
  • Neural wiring systems & the brain’s internal communication 
Lobes of the Cerebral and Cerebellar Hemispheres 
  • Frontal lobes vs. temporal/parietal/occipital lobes - as cooperating cognitive centers  
  • Cerebellum & brain stem functions – the effect on cognition and sensory awareness 
Deep Dive: Exploring Hidden Realms of the Brain’s Internal Processing Units 
  • Insular cortex and limbic processors for emotional regulation 
  • Altered visuospatial processing and anosognosia: A clinician’s toughest challenge  

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

Medical-Legal Concerns Specific to the Care of Older Patients

Elders desire a life with good health, dignity, and peaceful death. Understanding their needs and concerns will ensure their best health possible. Knowing the legal rights of the elderly and the duties of healthcare providers will reduce liability exposure. Rachel Cartwright-Vanzant Ph.D., MS, LHRM, CCRN-K, will improve your confidence in acting when mandatory reporting is required and provide you with authoritative updates to guide your practice decisions.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Apply the CMS rules to advance care planning. 
  2. Choose the appropriate type of advance directive for a clinical scenario.
  3. Determine the best resource for interpreting a DNR order.
  4. Analyze elder abuse from a criminal and civil perspective.

Outline

Advance Care Planning 

  • CMS definition, billing 
  • Patient qualifications for ACP 
Advance Directives Considerations 
  • Title 42 – Public Health Code of Federal Regulations 
  • State regulations – NHPCO access 
  • Living wills 
  • Instruction directives 
  • Health care proxy 
  • Health care power of attorney 
Do Not Resuscitate Orders 
  • Legal implications 
  • Ethical considerations 
  • State statutes 
Elder Abuse and Neglect 
  • State statutes 
  • Civil and criminal 
  • Seven types of elder abuse 
  • The most common type of elder abuse 
  • Physical signs of abuse 
Mandated Reporting Requirements 
  • Online resources – RAINN 
  • Compare state statutes 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/26/2021

The Looming Dementia Epidemic: Early-Stage Interventions for Cognitive Reserve and Functional Skills

The next epidemic is coming, and we know what it is.  In 2017 the Lancet Commissions identified dementia as “the greatest global threat to health and social care of the 21st Century.”  It devastates families, and by mid-century it will have devastated our communities, our economy, and our efforts at equity.  But if we act now on dementia prevention, intervention, and care, then we can expect to make a significant impact on not just quality of life but also in terms of family, community, and the broader economic impact.  We must take quick action to dispel the myth that “there is nothing to be done” to treat dementia, which perpetuates a delay in diagnosis. Preventative and early-stage interventions are proving to be markedly most effective, but most people do not know that they exist, leading to market forces that are slowing the proliferation of early-stage services, which then perpetuates the delay in diagnosis, and on the cycle goes.

During this Summit session, Dr. Sherrie All, a leader in brain health and cognitive rehabilitation will share with you her toolbox for early-stage interventions designed to help people build and maintain cognitive reserve and functional skills to maintain independence.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the looming dementia epidemic and the need for prevention and early detection, diagnosis and intervention. 
  2. Develop competency in your understanding of cognitive reserve and positive brain plasticity. 
  3. Prepare your toolbox of compensatory cognitive rehabilitation interventions to address early-stage cognitive decline in an effort to help patients maintain as much functional independence as possible, for as long as possible. 

Outline

The Looming Dementia Epidemic 

  • Social, economic and quality of life impact of aging baby boomers 
  • The need for early detection, diagnosis and intervention 
  • Why waiting to get a diagnosis is the wrong choice 
Prevention and Early Intervention is Key 
  • Cognitive reserve and brain plasticity 
  • Treatment recommendations for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia 
Evidence-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Toolbox for MCI & Early-Stage Dementia 
  • Compensatory cognitive strategies for memory, attention, executive function, language & visuospatial skills 
  • Help clients maintain as much functional independence as possible - for as long as possible 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/28/2021

Drug Prescribing and Deprescribing in Older Adults

Older patients often have numerous co-morbidities for which they are prescribed multiple medications, thereby increasing the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs). This risk is compounded by age-related changes in physiology and body composition, which influences drug response. Additionally, evidence suggests that inappropriate prescribing (IP) is highly prevalent in older people and is associated with an increased risk of ADEs, increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilization. Learn the drugs not to use and how safely deprescribe them. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Plan to minimize adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions for your elderly patients.  
  2. Evaluate the effects of aging on pharmacokinetics.  
  3. Apply the Beers criteria or STOPP/START to geriatric patient case reviews. 
  4. Analyze prescribing and deprescribing strategies for safety and outcome achievement.

Outline

Drug Utilization in the Elderly

The Pathophysiology of Aging 

  • Generalities 
  • Aging and Pharmacokinetics 
    • ADME 

Aging and Pharmacodynamics

Consequence of Overprescribing 

  • Adverse Drug Events 
  • Common Drug-Disease Rxn’s 

Principles of Prescribing 

  • BEERS 
  • STOPP/START 

Principles of Deprescribing

The Top 10 Meds to Avoid In Geriatrics 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Pharmacists
  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants

Copyright : 05/20/2022

Respiratory Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics, Indications for Use and Patient Monitoring

Have you ever felt a lack of confidence when prescribing pulmonary medications?  You are not alone…   During this Summit session, Dr. Paul Langlois, APN, Ph.D., CCRN, CCNS, will take you through laboratory data, testing results and physical assessment findings to determine the appropriate respiratory diagnosis.  From there, you will take away the very latest updates to guide prescriptive decisions for the most common respiratory conditions you see in practice – asthma, COPD, COVID-19, TB, pulmonary hypertension, & pneumonia.  This jam-packed presentation is sure to leave you with new insights and evidence guidelines to support patients optimally.   

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine the best medications to use during acute asthma attack. 
  2. Manage the current recommended medications for the COVID-19 patient both out- and in-patient. 
  3. Formulate a medication regimen for a tuberculosis patient, both newly diagnosed and with drug-resistant tuberculosis. 
  4. Devise the treatment protocol for a patient with pulmonary hypertension. 
  5. Plan for optimal antibiotic selection for the patient with bacterial pneumonia. 

Outline

Asthma – Not Just Bronchodilators Anymore 

  • How is asthma diagnosed? 
  • Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) medication options 
  • Role of corticosteroids in asthma treatment 
  • Short acting beta agonists (SABA), long-acting beta agonists (LABA) - the difference and monitoring parameters 
  • Muscarinic antagonists, leukotriene modifiers and phosphodiesterase inhibitors - must know indications and contraindications  
  • Monoclonal antibodies for asthma relief 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Long Term Pharmacologic Therapies 

  • COPD causes, symptoms and diagnostic tests 
  • Non-pharmacologic treatments 
  • SABA and LABA - when and how much 
  • Inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with bronchodilators 
  • Vaccines are a must – which ones and at what age to administer 

SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 

  • Laboratory parameters for SARS-CoV2 
  • How effective are all those COVID-19 vaccines 
  • Which antiviral medications are FDA approved and which are still in clinical trials? 
  • Dexamethasone is effective - but only in certain patient populations 

Tuberculosis (TB): Still Prevalent and Highly Contagious 

  • What is Mycobacterium tuberculosis and how is it detected? 
  • First line medications for drug susceptible TB (doses, how often & how long to take) 
  • Multi-drug resistant TB treatments 

Pulmonary Hypertension 

  • Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension  
  • 12-lead ECG results in a patient with pulmonary hypertension 
  • Select between calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonizes and prostacyclin agonists 

Pneumonia 

  • Community acquired treatment options 
  • Antibiotic options based on patient history 
  • Hospital acquired pharmacology 
  • How to treat methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Pharmacists
  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants
  • Respiratory Therapists

Copyright : 05/19/2022

Diabetes Medications: The Latest Treatments & Guidelines

Advancements in research and treatment for diabetes mellitus is exciting. With 9 classes of diabetes medications now available, there are a lot of options, but it can also be confusing to choose which medications are best to treat your patient with diabetes. Devising an individualized plan of care for each patient requires that your practice is up-to-date and based on the current evidence-based guidelines.  Tracey Long, PhD, MSN, MS, RN, APRN-BC, CDE, CNE, CCRN, will share her expertise on the pharmacological management in this evolving specialty.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate between the nine currently available classes of medications to treat diabetes.
  2. Apply ADA and AACE practice guidelines for medication decision making.
  3. Describe side effects and effectiveness used for treatment of diabetes mellitus.
  4. Explain the use of combination therapy for treatment of chronic hyperglycemia.

Outline

Diabetes Medication Classes

  • Oral antihyperglycemics: alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, DPP4-inhibitors, meglitinides, SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones
  • Injectable antihyperglycemics (not insulin): amylin analogs, incretin mimetics, GLP-1 agonists
  • Insulins: rapid, regular, intermittent, long acting
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  • What has changed for 2022
  • Standards of care and diagnosing
  • Glycemic control algorithm
  • Guidelines for monotherapy and combination therapy
Comparison of Medication Side Effects
  • Medication decisions include side effects, organ effect, and adverse drug effects
Up-to-Date Prescription of Insulin
  • Insulin delivery systems: syringe, pen, pump, and inhaled insulin
  • Algorithm for adding/intensifying insulin
  • Patient education for storage, mixing and traveling
  • Multiple daily injections vs. continuous glucose monitoring

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants

Copyright : 03/25/2022

Empowering Geriatric Patients: Safety, Skills & Transition Decisions

Healthcare professionals are often responsible to weigh in on transitions of care for patients.  The need to evaluate for safety or activities of daily living abilities can be essential to determine the right setting for someone to reside in. Oftentimes, it takes empowering a patient to support them to achieve their highest level of functioning and performance. Jamie Miner, PT, DPT, GCS, will provide her best practice guidance on how to be supportive, successful, and innovative with your own patients!

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine best practices in promoting patient engagement in the rehab process. 
  2. Develop a process for smooth transitions between levels of care. 
  3. Assess patient safety concerns for the most appropriate level of care. 

Outline

Transitions of Care 

  • Transition Process Errors 
    • Medication 
    • Patient safety 
      • Elderly 
      • Limited medical literacy 
      • High risk medications 
    • Consequences of unsafe discharge 
  • Discontinuity of Services 
    • Patient expectations and desires 
    • Key provider considerations 
    • Communicate evolving plans with family members 
    • Supplies/equipment 
  • Patient Involvement 
    • Recommendations/options for care setting 
    • Included in ongoing care at different settings 
    • Limitations within the care continuum  
Patient Empowerment 
  • Knowledge of an “Activated Patient” 
    • Paternalism/compliance/coerce vs. adhere  
  • Supporting Patient Skills 
    • Coping 
    • Comorbidities 
    • Depression 
    • Vestibular awareness and safety 
    • Nutrition 
    • Sleep concerns 
  • A Facilitating Environment  
    • Partnerships 
    • Community resources 
    • Potential hazards at home/in care settings 
    • Enablers and barriers 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 10/27/2021

Nutritional Strategies for Improving Quality of Life with Parkinson's Disease

Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, is a writer and registered dietitian nutritionist. She will review the role of nutrition in improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Attendees will gain a better understanding of nutrition strategies for symptom management and how proper nutrition, especially preventing or treating malnutrition, can lead to better patient outcomes. Learn what and how commonly prescribed medications can impact nutrition status and nutrition strategies for increasing efficacy.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Recognize risk factors for malnutrition specific to people with Parkinson’s Disease. 
  2. Describe nutrition strategies for management of common symptoms. 
  3. List often seen vitamin and mineral deficiencies and understand the importance of screening. 
  4. Summarize ways in which medications and PD treatments can be impacted by nutrition and vice versa.  
  5. Address changing nutritional needs throughout the disease process 

Outline

Malnutrition 

  • Importance of preventing malnutrition for better patient outcomes 
  • Changing dietary needs 
  • Risk factors for people with PD 
  • Tips for prevention and treatment 
Nutrition Strategies for Symptom Management 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Gastroparesis 
  • Nausea and vomiting  
  • Changes to taste and smell 
  • Reflux 
  • Low blood pressure/orthostatic hypotension 
Bone Health 
  • Bone mineral density and osteoporosis 
  • Common (and often missed) vitamin deficiencies that contribute 
  • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies 
Dysphagia  
  • Working with healthcare team 
  • The role of artificial nutrition support 
Medications 
  • Common medications and potential diet-related side effects 
  • Protein timing to improve efficacy of Levodopa 
End of Life Care 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Pharmacists

Copyright : 08/19/2022

Geriatric Considerations in the Management of COPD Exacerbations

This session will provide an overview of considerations in the geriatric population for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. The session will cover possible differential diagnosis associated with COPD exacerbations, pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy options for individuals having an exacerbation, and the several types of delivery methods used for medications. The session will also cover the modes of ventilation including noninvasive oxygen therapy and invasive mechanical ventilation by intubation.  

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Discuss the differences in pharmacotherapy delivery methods for the geriatric population (inhaled, oral, intravenous, and nebulized).
  2. Differentiate when invasive mechanical ventilation is required and when noninvasive mechanical ventilation is required.
  3. Apply pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatment options in practice based on the most current available evidence for geriatric individuals hospitalized with COPD exacerbations.

Outline

I. Diagnosis and Overview of COPD and Exacerbation  

  1. Outpatient treatment failure 
  2. Why this is important in geriatric population 
  3. Differential diagnoses  
  4. Classification and characteristics  
II. Managing Acute Exacerbations 
  1. When and why to admit to the hospital 
  2. When and why to admit to ICU 
  3. Management of COPD exacerbations in the geriatric population 
III. Therapeutic Options 
  1. Compare and contrast pharmacotherapy delivery methods 
    1. Benefits and risks of Inhaled; Oral; IV; and nebulized medications for COPD 
  2. Ventilation 
    1. Noninvasive ventilation 
    2. Invasive mechanical ventilation via intubation 
IV. Pharmacotherapy Options 
  1. Bronchodilators 
  2. Corticosteroids 
  3. Antibiotics 
  4. Oxygen  
  5. Vitamins and minerals  
  6. Mucolytics 
  7. Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors 
  8. Theophylline 
V. Nonpharmacological Options 
  1. Pulmonary Rehab 
  2. Education 
  3. Vaccinations 
  4. Integrated Self Care Programs 
  5. Self-Management  
  6. Identify risks and reduce exposure to triggers 
  7. Palliative and Hospice care  
VI. Discharge Criteria 

Target Audience

  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • PharmDs

Copyright : 08/08/2022