Seniors who are 65 years and older, experience a drug error rate nearly seven times greater than those younger than 65. Adverse drug events (ADE) are a leading cause of injury and death within health care systems around the world. Many of these events occur as a result of poor communication between health professionals and patients and/or care takers when care is transferred. When a patient’s transition is inadequate, the repercussions can be far-reaching.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) Reynolds Interprofessional Geriatric Education and Training in Texas (IGET-IT) program has developed this Medication Management module as part of the Interprofessional Communication Improvement Modules (ICIM) Elder Safety series. The ICIM Elder Safety modules were created in collaboration with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and are supported, in part, by a generous grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The goal of the Elder Safety ICIMs is to provide an innovative and sustainable program to improve the ability of physicians to work with other health disciplines in teams to provide better care for geriatric patients. The care of older adults can be very complex, and studies have shown that a team approach can be most effective in leading to quality outcomes.
This activity is intended for residents, practicing physicians, and related health care professions.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: