DPT 8203 - Geriatrics

Credits: 2 hrs

This course gives an overview of the principles of management of patients that are elderly including a survey of normal aging, management of frail elderly, a survey of pathologies present in the older adult, and management of wellness for the older adult. Overall emphasis will be on review of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology with a view towards learning safe, effective, autonomous practice and effective patient management with geriatric clients. 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 multisystem involvement, musculoskeletal involvement, integumentary involvement, and neurologic 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. Additionally, focus on evidence based measurement tools will be conducted to reinforce assessment and intervention. 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, and patient interviews will reinforce clinical logic and help students learn to apply rehabilitation techniques primarily to a geriatric population.