The aim of this learning programme is to update your knowledge on the changes that come with ageing and the impact these have on health and medicines use for older people. It also explores the roles of the multidisciplinary teams to help you to understand how pharmacy can link in with them to improve health outcomes for older people and to provide support for their carers.
Learning objectives
On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:
- explain the importance of taking a person-centred approach to support older people with their medicines use, which reflects the differing needs of older people, especially those who are frail or have mental health problems
- outline the healthcare settings commonly used by older people, the role of various people who provide care for older people and the role of pharmacy in supporting the safe transfer of care between settings
- describe the impact of the physical, behavioural and socio-economic challenges faced by older people on their use of medicines and how pharmacy services can support medicines optimisation
- describe the effects of ageing on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicines and the causes and consequences of polypharmacy
- outline the role of the pharmacy team in safeguarding vulnerable older people.
Learning intended for
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Pre-registration trainees
- CPPE registrants