Course Description:

Do you want to better understand how medications affect a person’s health and ability to function? All medications have both positive and negative effects which potentially impact a
patient’s ability to function. Therapists must be able to integrate medication knowledge into their assessments and care planning to effectively practice and maximize patient function and safety. Medications have effects on ADL and IADL function and knowing these effects will provide therapists with the greatest opportunity to improve function when interfering medications are identified are de-prescribed by the physician or assisting medications are appropriately prescribed by the physician. The purpose of this seminar is to provide participants with the information required to incorporate pharmacology and medication management into practice with the older adult. Therapists across the acute care and post-acute care continuum are accountable for patient safety inclusive of medication effects on physical function. The seminar format includes interactive lecture; small group discussion;
incorporating video and case scenarios to demonstrate medication assessment, management and education. Participants will translate pharmacology knowledge into practice to effectively assess and treat patients while maintaining patient safety. Participants will learn techniques to help monitor patients for intended effects, untoward effects, and side effects in order to assist physicians and nurses with safe medication use, medication adherence and reduce hospitalizations related to adverse drug events. Evidence-based resources and tools will be provided to participants to improve safe medication use. The course manual is comprehensive including both print and electronic resources for uses immediately in practice. The participant will take home quick examination tools to identify pharmacology issues in minutes.