Pharmacology for Geriatric Practice

Course overview

Annually in the US, there are about 400,000 preventable adverse drug events that account for $3.5 billion in extra costs. Physical therapists are key members of the interdisciplinary health care team with the knowledge and skills to monitor patients' medication for intended effects, side effects and adverse drug events in the geriatric population. Using the 2015 Updated Beers Criteria - List of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults (published by the American Geriatrics Society), physical therapists have the necessary tools to address medication safety with their patients to reduce the risk of adverse drug events and associated re-hospitalizations which are considered preventable. Many older adults believe that over the counter medications are "safe" for them to use, not knowing the dangers these medications pose. The Beers Criteria is a useful tool for therapists to integrate into practice to determine which prescription and over the counter medications are potentially inappropriate and/or the effects medications may have on physical performance and functional ability.