Leader: Dr M Sewell

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This elective unit covers the following: social aspects of ageing, clinical aspects of ageing, functional independence, rehabilitation and promoting independence, psychogeriatrics, bladder and bowel problems, tiredness, anorexia and weight loss, breathlessness, turns, tumbles and tremors, painful conditions, hypertension, leg ulcers and pressure ulcers, institutional and nursing home care, latrogenesis, healthy ageing - health promotion and disease prevention and ethical issues.

Objectives

On completion of this unit participants should be able to:

1. Promote the practice of geriatric medicine among GPs;
2. Improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of GPs in the care of the elderley;
3. Emphasise the aspects of care that are different for older people;
4. Present information on the medical care of older people that is practical, concise and relevant to general practice;
5. Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology and geriatric medicine and rehabilitation;
6. Focus on community care, i.e. assessment of older people in their normal community environment, and the use of community resources as an integral part of their care;
7. Emphasise the importance of prevention and health maintenance in older people;
8. Present a positive model of geriatric practice.

Assessment

Clinical Audit 1 (20%), Clinical Audit 2 (20%), Journal (40%), Essay (20%)