DPT 8203 - Geriatrics

This course gives an overview of the principles of management of patients that are elderly including management of frail elderly with a survey of normal aging and a survey of pathologies present in the aged commonly encountered by physical therapists. Overall emphasis will be on review of relevant anatomy and physiology with a view towards learning safe, effective, autonomous practice and producing effective patient management. Students are expected to integrate their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology from previous courses into understanding the diseases associated with aging and normal aging physiology. Emphasis will be on care of the geriatric patient with conditions entailing multi-system involvement, musculoskeletal involvement, and neurological involvement. The student will be able to more effectively execute techniques related to: examination and evaluation, diagnostic procedures, goal setting, direct intervention in relation to prescribing exercise, monitoring exercise tolerance, and promote promoting health and wellness as related to a geriatric population. All course work will be directed towards building sound clinical judgment for evidence-based practice as outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Lectures, demonstrations, case studies, required readings, simulation, and patient interviews will reinforce clinical logic and help students learn to apply rehabilitation techniques primarily to a geriatric population.