Essentials of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Course

Course Overview

Running September 8th, 2025 – November 17th, 2025.

Register here: Essentials of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy – Continuing Professional Development

In collaboration with GeriMedRisk, this course is designed to equip pharmacists with advanced knowledge and skills in geriatric pharmacotherapy, enabling them to provide specialized care for older adults. Other healthcare providers involved in the medication management of older adults may also find this course beneficial. With the aging population, there’s a growing need for healthcare professionals who understand the unique pharmacological considerations and challenges faced by older adults. This micro-credential focuses on evidence-based practices, medication management, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care in the context of geriatrics.

Who should take this course?

Pharmacists seeking to enhance their foundational knowledge in geriatric pharmacotherapy, including those working in community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings where they provide care for older adult patients. Other healthcare providers involved in the medication management of older adults may also find this course beneficial.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

1. Explain geriatric pharmacotherapy principles

• Describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes associated with aging.
• Identify common geriatric syndromes and their implications on pharmacotherapy.

2. Apply evidence-based practices in geriatric medication management

• Utilize current evidence-based guidelines to optimize pharmacotherapy in elderly patients.
• Analyze and evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications considering potential polypharmacy, adverse effects, and age-related physiological changes.

3. Develop patient-centered care plans

• Design individualized pharmacotherapy plans that consider patient preferences, comorbidities, and functional status.
• Effectively communicate medication management plans to elderly patients and their families, emphasizing safety and adherence.

4. Collaborate with interprofessional teams in geriatric care

• Demonstrate effective collaboration and communication with an interprofessional team, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and caregivers, to enhance patient outcomes.
• Recognize the roles and contributions of various healthcare providers in geriatric care and integrate their insights into patient care.

5. Address Ethical and Cultural Considerations in Geriatric Care

• Explore the role of the pharmacist in interprofessional geriatric care teams.
• Discuss collaborative practice agreements and team-based care models.
• Identify effective communication and coordination strategies among healthcare providers involved in geriatric care.