Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/medication-prescribing
The aging population presents unique challenges in healthcare, and one of the most critical areas is medication management. Older adults often take multiple medications, increasing their risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) and other complications. Coursera’s “Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults” course offers a vital and comprehensive education for healthcare professionals and learners seeking to navigate this complex landscape.
This course masterfully breaks down the intricacies of geriatric pharmacology. Module I, “Medication Management and Physiology of Aging,” lays a strong foundation by explaining the physiological changes associated with aging and how they impact drug efficacy and safety. It introduces the valuable Geriatric 5Ms framework and emphasizes crucial concepts like calculating renal function and the “Start Low and Go Slow” mantra. The module also touches upon specific geriatric syndromes like frailty and dementia, highlighting their influence on prescribing.
Moving into Module II, “Key Concepts in Prescribing for Older Adults,” the course tackles essential definitions such as polypharmacy, ADEs, prescribing cascades, and medication nonadherence. Through clear examples of drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-herbal interactions, participants gain a solid understanding of the potential pitfalls and their significant impact on patient outcomes.
Module III, “Tools and Strategies to Reduce Inappropriate Prescribing,” equips learners with practical solutions. It introduces helpful resources like smartphone applications, adherence aids, and the widely recognized AGS Beers criteria. The module also presents a Hierarchy of Medication Evaluation, a powerful tool for assessing medications before prescription, and utilizes case examples to demonstrate rational prescribing and the important concept of deprescribing.
Recognizing the complexities of care transitions, Module IV, “Role of Interdisciplinary Teams and System-based Interventions in Improving Safe Prescribing during Care Transitions,” underscores the necessity of collaboration. It explores how interdisciplinary teams ensure smooth transitions and effective information sharing, crucial for preventing medication errors when older adults move between care settings.
Finally, Module V, “Integrating Geriatric Prescribing Principles Using Evidence-Based Frameworks,” brings everything together. Through case-based scenarios, participants apply the knowledge gained, integrating the Geriatric 5Ms framework and recommendations from the AGS and ASCP Choosing Wisely initiatives. This module solidifies the practical application of safe and effective prescribing for older adults.
**Recommendation:**
I highly recommend “Responsible Medication Prescribing for Older Adults” for any healthcare professional involved in the care of older patients, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants. The course is exceptionally well-structured, evidence-based, and provides actionable strategies. It not only enhances clinical knowledge but also fosters a more patient-centered approach to medication management, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and quality of life for our aging population. This is an investment in essential geriatric care knowledge.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/medication-prescribing