Curriculum Objectives: Care of the Elderly

Overall Objectives: Care of the Elderly

CanMEDS-FM Competency

1)      Demonstrates a comprehensive medical evaluation of the elderly in a variety of clinical settings including: the
          emergency room, ward consultations, and geriatric assessment unit. This evaluation should emphasize the impact
          and role of chronic disease on function

2)      Recognizes the atypical presentation of common medical illnesses in the elderly

3)      Incorporates a systematic functional assessment in patient evaluations. This should include assessment for:

• Basic activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Mobility, including risk of falls
• Cognitive assessment using the Folstein and MOCA
• Sensory assessment (vision and hearing)
• Pain Bladder function
• Caregiver and social supports (including caregiver burnout)
• Use of alcohol or sleep aids
• Polypharmacy

4)      Organizes a patient evaluation by organizing the issues into a problem list recognizing both chronic and acute issues

5)      Recognizes the elderly patient in context of their family and caregivers

1)      Be able to communicate clearly and compassionately with the patient and family

2)      Able to reach common ground with patients and their family with respect to a management plan

1)      Demonstrates the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team, recognizing the specific role of each member

2)      Incorporates the team’s recommendations as part of the medical plan of an elderly patient

1)      Demonstrates responsible, reliable, and trustworthy behaviour

2)      Demonstrates an open-minded and caring approach to patient

3)      Demonstrates awareness of own strengths and limitations and seeks help appropriately

4)      Has a systematic approach to the ethical dilemmas that arise

1)      Identifies gaps in knowledge that are important for your patient’s management

2)      Formulates a clinical question and search the medical literature effectively in order to answer it

1)      Becomes aware of the role that community resources have in maintaining the vulnerable elderly within the
         community and involved these resources in the development of a comprehensive discharge plan

1)      Prioritizes tasks around patient care effectively

2)      Organizes detailed and clear documentation of patient care

3)      Understands the importance of continuity of care and discharge planning, when applicable, being aware of
          community resources

Links to Site Specific Teaching Settings and Methods: