ECHO-Chicago: Geriatrics
Advances in medical care and a rapidly expanding aging population means more Americans are living longer, but often with multiple chronic conditions requiring providers trained to manage complex care needs. Older adults contend with elevated rates of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, arthritis and other chronic conditions leading to disability, functional loss, cognitive decline, and other poor health outcomes. The South Side of Chicago is one of the nation's largest medically underserved communities and a place where the ills of a fragmented, dysfunctional, and under-resourced health care system are a daily reality for older adults. According to the University of Chicago Adult Community Needs Assessment, older adults living in the University of Chicago Medicine’s primary service area have higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension compared to regional, state, or national levels. A shortage of geriatricians and limited access to care further increases the risk to older adult health. The ECHO-Chicago Geriatrics curriculum improves health outcomes for older adults by creating a robust, engaged network of interdisciplinary care providers who share resources and education to improve health for older adults on Chicago’s South Side.
Target Audience
The target audience for this activity includes phyisicians and other health care professionals specializing in internal medicine, family medicine and providers with an interest in geriatrics.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participatants will be able to:
- Distinguish between typical signs of aging and those symptoms that may be associated with other health problems;
- Define signs of dementia in geriatric patients;
- Apply a treatment plan for management of dementia in geriatric patients;
- Identify local community resources dealing with the issues of aging and health that can provide support for patients and their families;
- State the basic practices of palliative and hospice care;
- Describe advanced care planning including important topics such as power of attorney and living will.
- 8.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 8.00 Participation
COURSE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation Statement
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.