Understanding Depression and the Geriatric Patient

Overview:
Optimal geriatric care requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes understanding of the physiology of aging and recognition of unique issues facing the geriatric patient. Treatment plans, as complex as they may be, need to be individualized, with the ultimate goal focused on optimizing function while minimizing any complications that may lead to loss of independence or early institutionalization. It is vital that healthcare professionals encourage patients, patient families and caregivers to take interest and responsibility in managing their condition. 

Many geriatric patients face significant life changes and stress that put them at risk for depression, but many depressed seniors don’t claim to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly, making it challenging for healthcare providers to distinguish depressive disorders from other ailments, including drug-drug interactions and preexisting somatic illnesses.

In an effort to improve overall patient care and quality of life, initiatives such as Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) are being utilized across the country. This type of initiative can help bridge the gap between the entire multidisciplinary care team (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists), health plans and, most importantly, geriatric patients.  

The goal of this symposium will be to further examine the following topics in an effort to help senior healthcare providers optimize care for geriatric patients:  

• The unique features of depression in the elderly
• Medication safety and tolerability issues
• Strategies to help improve patient outcomes

Faculty
Robert J. Cluxton Jr., PharmD, MBA, CGP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
and Family Medicine
The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
University of Cincinnati

Program Date
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Presentation

ACOVE close x     The Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) contains a set of quality indictors (QIs) to comprehensively measure care provided to vulnerable older persons at the health system, health plan or medical group level. This population is comprised of community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older at a greater risk of death or functional decline over a 2-year period. Clinical experts developed this list of QIs using existing guidelines and clinical opinions; indicators cover the areas of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. There are currently 26 conditions covered within ACOVE, including sleep disorders. These QIs can form the basis for identifying areas of intervention, and helping to improve overall patient care. The ACOVE Investigators (2007). Introduction to the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders-3 Quality Indicator Measurement Set. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2007. 55(s2), S247–S252.