PhPr 810D - Geriatrics/Gerontology Rotation
(Also refer to the general goals and objectives for PhPr 810)
Goals
- To develop a pharmacist who can select, initiate, and monitor drug therapy for achievable therapeutic outcomes.
- To develop a pharmacist who can provide drug information in the pharmaceutical care practice setting.
- To develop a pharmacist who has good problem identification skills, problem-solving skills, and professional judgement.
- To develop a pharmacist who has good interpersonal/professional relationships.
Objectives
At the completion of this rotation, the student should be able to:
- Describe physiologic changes that occur as the result of aging, and discuss how these changes effect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic action(s) of medication in the elderly patient.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate pertinent information concerning patients' drug therapy to health care professionals.
- Describe the pathophysiology, rational therapeutic interventions, and monitoring parameters for the following common diseases encountered in the elderly:
- Angina Pectoris
- Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
- Common Anemias
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Dementias
- Depression
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Hypnotic Use in the Elderly
- Arrhythmias
- Insomnia
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Pneumonias
- Pressure Sores
- TIAs
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Seizure Disorders
- Bipolar Illness & Schizophrenia
- Describe the role and function of the clinical pharmacist as a member of the geriatric health care team.
- Describe the role of the pharmacist as a consultant to the administration, staff, and patients of a long-term care facility.
- Discuss the various federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the provision of pharmaceutical services in a long-term care facility.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the student during this rotation shall include the following:
- Attend and participate in medical or pharmacy rounds with clinical pharmacist and/or medical providers.
- Attend and participate in patient care planning, pharmacy rounds, and any special conferences or meetings.
- Perform at least one in-service presentation to the medical, nursing, or pharmacy staffs.
- Conduct or participate in discussions concerning specific patients and/or various disease states with the instructor during the rotation. Be prepared to present assigned patients in a brief manner throughout rotation.
- Assist students who have less rotation experience by reviewing with them their assigned patients.
- Provide requested drug information or pharmacokinetic consultations to medical, nursing, and/or pharmacy staffs.
- For resident care conference, monitor all drug therapy administered to patients being reviewed as well as report any potential or real problems to the medical staff at these conferences.
- Complete recommended readings and quizzes if any given during rotation.
- Attend and participate in pharmacy case conferences on a weekly basis.
Attendance
Attendance is required for successful completion of this rotation. Excessive or unexcused absences can result in the student being administratively dropped and/or receiving a grade of "E" for the rotation. Please call or inform instructor if you are unable to attend any days.