Course overview
This course will advance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of health professionals to achieve evidence based best practice in comprehensive care of older people. Philosophies of relationship/person centred and compassionate care; values-based approach to health care; partnership approach to care; biological and social theories of ageing; quality use of medicines; differentiating between normal age-related changes, complex and chronic health conditions and delirium; identifying vulnerable older people; ageism and stigma; comprehensive health assessment of an older person including functional health assessment and risk assessment; contemporary assessment and screening tools; consumer directed care and shared decision making; care coordination; the implications of place on the health outcomes of older people; codes, ethics, standards, guidelines, legislation and reform agendas in aged care; quality improvement and best practice in aged care; health promotion; healthy ageing; the role of leadership in supporting best practice in comprehensive care of the older person.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically appraise and apply contemporary theories, principles and care frameworks to promote comprehensive care of older people.
- Critically evaluate and demonstrate an applied understanding of the ethical, legislative, regulatory and policy obligations of health professionals to support comprehensive care of older people.
- Conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based health assessment of an older person.
- Integrate best available evidence to plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive person-centred health care with a healthy ageing focus in partnership with older people, carers and families.
- Critically reflect on and challenge, own and the practice of others to lead and promote best practice in comprehensive care of older people.