Program #846 • Available Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through Saturday, February 07, 2009

Polypharmacy in the Aged

 

Program Description

Polypharmacy in the aged is a major patient safety issue in the United States today. Medication errors due to polypharmacy can involve severe and even life-threatening side effects or drug interactions. This video reviews the causes of polypharmacy in the elderly and identifies patients who are at risk for medication errors due to polypharmacy. It also discusses steps that primary care physicians can take to reduce the risk for medication errors in elderly patients who are taking multiple drugs to treat coexisting conditions. The use of a handheld electronic device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) to assess potential medication errors is emphasized, as is the vital role of the pharmacist in helping to identify medications that are more likely to cause severe adverse effects or drug interactions in the elderly. Two hypothetical patient cases based on real-life situations are presented to illustrate how to assess and manage elderly patients who are at risk for polypharmacy-related adverse effects. Tips for educating elderly patients and their caregivers to avoid complications from prescription drugs and from over-the-counter medications and herbal agents also are provided.

(60 minutes)

Credit Information

Up to 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

This activity is designed for for primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide care to elderly patients.

Learning Objectives

After taking part in this CME activity, participants should be able to:

CME Credit Designations

ACCME The Network for Continuing Medical Education (NCME) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA NCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAFP This activity has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 2 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP accreditation begins Wednesday, February 07, 2007. Term of approval is for one year from this date, with option for yearly renewal.

AOA This activity is eligible for up to 2 hours of credit in Category 2-A of the American Osteopathic Association.