Overview
Learn to recognize clinical health changes in older patients to improve opportunities for prevention and early treatment.
GPs are often ideally placed to focus on prevention and early-stage identification of chronic health problems in older patients — a common presentation in general practice. Leverage your knowledge of patients' social context and medical history to deliver high-quality primary care to your patients aged 65+.
- Effectively manage age-related health issues of the growing ageing population.
- Address the complex medical needs of geriatric patients who often present with multiple comorbidities.
- Provide comprehensive care that enhances your patients' quality of life and social, psychological, and functional wellbeing.
- This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses and degree-qualified health professionals.
- CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.
Course Benefits
- Meet patient demand, as people aged 65+ account for 20 per cent of presentations to emergency departments and nine per cent of hospital admissions in Australia.
- Diagnose and manage patients with dementia, osteoporosis, and depression.
- Safeguard elderly patients by screening them for risk of falls and fractures.
- Manage polypharmacy in elderly patients and assist with medication management.
Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.
Course Contents
Diagnosing Dementia
This module commences with the statistics and clinical significance of dementia. Common dementia diseases outlined include Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and younger onset dementia. Diagnosis information including history, early signs and symptoms, other cognitive impairment causes and inclusion/exclusion criteria are outlined. Examination options include observations, bedside tests, cardiovascular, neuro and mental health. Pathology and imaging options are discussed including screening tools and their advantages and disadvantages. The module then moves to the benefits of early diagnosis and concludes with applying the module learning to three case studies.
Falls in the Elderly
This module commences with the definition and statistics for falls in the elderly. Risk and prevention factors at both the community and individual level are considered. Predictors for fall risk include increasing age, history of falls, abnormal gait or balance and polypharmacy. Validated falls risk screening tools are discussed that lead to assessment and implementation of a management plan to reduce risk of falls and fall related injuries. As part of the assessment process, history, examination, intrinsic and extrinsic factors risk factors, home assessment and appropriate investigations support the development of a management plan. Medications that may increase falls risk are listed together with falls reduction programs for the patient and also for the clinical setting.
Polypharmacy and How to Manage It
This module begins with describing polypharmacy and the health considerations for medications in persons over 65 years. Inappropriate prescribing and over the counter medications puts elder patients at the risk of adverse drug reactions. The physiological changes in the elderly are outlined. The number of people being prescribed multiple treatments is rising and a suggested systematic approach to prescribing new medications and regular medication reviews are outlined, including a systematic approach to deprescribing. Factors to consider before prescribing a new medication include determining the goals of treatment, patient values/preferences, medications known to increase the likelihood of a prescribing cascade occurring and medication interactions. The process of Domiciliary Medication Management Reviews (DMMR) is outlined. The approach to deprescribing, including barriers, tapering of medications and medications commonly associated with adverse events are provided. The module concludes with key take home points.
Osteoporosis
This module commences by describing osteoporosis and related statistics. Bone physiology and determinants of bone density are revisited and modifiable risk factors outlined. Fracture risk factors independent of Bone mineral density (BMD) are outlined and two calculators for assessing fracture risk are included. Recommendations for identifying patients to investigate for osteoporosis and bone mineral density testing are outlined. The management of osteoporosis is discussed from a non-pharmacological, lifestyle and pharmacological perspective. The module then discusses osteoporosis in men including risk factors. The module concludes with focusing on osteoporosis in young people including chronic diseases associated with lowered BMD, assessment and the principles of treatment of osteoporosis in children and adolescents.
Palliative Care - The Essentials
This module begins with describing palliative care, care providers and patients eligible for palliative care. It focusses on the medical practitioner role including breaking the news, how the patient may feel, cultural awareness, goals of care and having the difficult conversations. Pain assessment is discussed including diagnostic tools, types of pain and managing pain by both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods. Options of pain management are discussed including working through a case study. The module then moves to symptom management of the gastrointestinal tract including nausea and vomiting, constipation and bowel obstruction. The module concludes with further symptom management including dyspnoea, fatigue, mood and anxiety, including dosage and delivery modes.
Depression in the Elderly
This module begins with an overview of depression and the increasing higher levels of psychological distress for older people. The content includes information on understanding depression, depression categories and how the medical profession defines depression. It then moves to the causes of depression, risk factors for the elderly, and other causal factors including at-risk groups. The effects of depression and how they may be displayed are mentioned, then considers diagnostic information, screening and assessment tools. Assessing suicide risk, differential considerations and investigations are outlined. The GP Mental health Care Plan and treatment approach includes education, lifestyle changes, psychological and medication considerations. The module concludes with two clinical case studies.
Nutrition in the Elderly
This module commences with looking at the causes and effect of malnutrition in the elderly. Included are the physiological effects of ageing on the gastrointestinal system and other clinical manifestations including anorexia. Understanding undernutrition in the elderly includes screening assessment tools and information on management techniques. Undernutrition is also often associated with people with dementia. The module then moves to obesity in the elderly including sarcopenic obesity. Approaches to weight loss in the elderly are included. The module concludes with an overview and guidelines of nutrient requirements in the elderly.
Aged Care Services and Residential Aged Care
The elderly are more likely to have complex and multiple health care needs and problems. The medical practitioner’s role in caring for the elderly considers family and other carer relationships and medical legal practicalities. This includes communicating with carers, recognizing carer stress and when to recommend respite care. Complexities and options for caring for the elderly in the community including government subsidized services like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. Transition, respite care and mental health care information is included together with information on retirement villages and supported accommodation options. The module then moves to how to apply for residential aged care facilities (RACF), ACAT assessments and considerations to achieving residential aged care. Services are discussed together with the transition process to supported accommodation. The module concludes with information on the medical practitioner role in providing care to residents in RACFs and includes Medicare information.
Study Modes
100% Online
Study at your own pace and to your own schedule.
- View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
- Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
- Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
- Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
- Customize your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
- Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.
Outcome Measurement
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
- Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course.
The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
Pre- and Post-Course Information
Entry Requirements
The Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine is tailored for medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve outcomes for elderly patients seen in general practice.
This qualification is the first stage of the Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine. There are no prerequisites. Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.
Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.
Recognized Prior Learning (RPL)
Professionally recognized qualifications and prior studies may be recognized for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.
Certification
This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.
Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine and CPD hours.
This certificate course:
- Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP and ACRRM standards.
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
- Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
- Is recognized by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognizes all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Peer review and audit are compulsory.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
- Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
- Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.
To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit HealthCert's FAQs.
Pathways
Professional Diploma Pathway
This course is the first stage of the professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine (coming soon), Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine (coming soon).
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Course Fee$980| Contact Hours: | 85.0 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | Multiple Days |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | Not Available |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | Dr. Elizabeth RyrieMBBS, FRACGP, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, DCH, General practitioner |
Dr Elizabeth Ryrie is a practicing clinician working fulltime in general practice in Port Macquarie, NSW. She completed her medical studies at the Australian National University in 2012 after an undergraduate degree at The University of Sydney. She spent her years as a junior doctor in Canberra, also completing a Diploma in Child Health during this time. She moved to the NSW Mid North Coast in 2015 to undergo her general practice training.
Dr Ryrie enjoys the variety and continuity of care that general practice offers. She is particularly interested in paediatrics, women’s health and palliative care.
 | Dr. Evangelia FrancisFRACGP, MBBS, BSci (Neuroscience), DCH, DRCOG, General practitioner |
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.
Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.
When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.
 | Prof. Barbara WorkmanEXPERT REVIEWER, MBBS, MD, FRACP, AFRACMA |
- Director, MONARC (Monash Ageing Research Centre), Monash University
- Head, Academic Unit of Geriatric Medicine, MONARC, Monash University
- Professor of Geriatric Medicine, Monash University
- Medical Director, Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services, Monash Health (Retired March 2021)
The Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine has been independently reviewed by Professor Barbara Workman, Medical Director (Rehabilitation and Aged Care Services) at Monash Health. Formerly, Prof Workman was a Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Monash University.
 | Dr. Kate MoriartyBMed (Hon), FRACGP, DCH, Registrar supervisor and senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus |
Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.
 | Dr. Paige DarlingtonMBBS, FRACGP, DCH, General practitioner |
Dr Paige Darlington works in a private practice in Port Stephens, Australia, where she is a supervisor of GP registrars and medical students. She has a special interest in women's and children's health. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.
 | A/Prof. Debbie KorsMBBS, FRACGP, Masters Family Medicine, DRACOG, Certificate of Family Planning, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education |
Associate Professor Debbie Kors is the founder and joint owner of a private teaching general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia. She works there as a general practitioner and GP supervisor of GP registrars and medical students.
A/Prof Kors is a passionate advocate for the profession of general practice. She is a Conjoint Associate Professor in Primary Health Care at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus and has previously worked as a senior medical educator with North Coast GP Training. In 2010, she was nominated for and won the General Practice Education and Training GP Supervisor of the Year award.
A/Prof Kors holds a MBBS (first class honours), Fellowship of the RACGP, Masters of Family Medicine (clinical), Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Graduate Diploma of Medical Education and a Certificate of Family Planning.
 | Dr. Christine AhernMBBS, FRACGP, Senior lecturer, Sydney University |
Dr Christine Ahern has worked as a general practitioner in rural NSW since 1983, often with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her special interests include women’s health and education.
Dr Ahern is a senior lecturer at Sydney University and has previously been the Director of Training for North Coast GP Training. In 2011 she was named the General Practice Education and Training Medical Educator of the Year, a prestigious national award. Dr Ahern holds a MBBS and FRACGP.
 | Dr. Sharon SykesMBBS, BAppSc, FRACGP, General practitioner |
Dr Sharon Sykes works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. Dr Sykes served 18 years in the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a general practitioner. She has a special interest in medical education and has previously worked as a medical educator for North Coast GP Training.
She holds a MBBS, Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Lab Sci) and a Fellowship of the RACGP.
