Resource Center

This presentation (1:33:49) given by Dr. Manu Thakral from the Kaiser Permanete Washington Health Institute, describes what is known about the effectiveness and risks of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain while focusing on older adult patients. She discusses how to determine when opioids should be initiated or continued for chronic pain and when they should be discontinued. Finally, Dr. Thakral ends her presentation by describing strategies that can be used to assess risk and address harm associated with opioid use. Presentation slides are able to be downloaded through the link.

This presentation (1:17:12) given by Dr. Amy Thomas from the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington. Dr. Thomas discusses the prevalence of comorbidities commonly seen in patients living with dementia. She also describes the unique challenges of caring for patients with dementia and multiple chronic conditions. Finally, she identifies approaches to preventing complications and hospitalizations for patients living with dementia and multiple chronic conditions. Presentation slides are available to be downloaded through the link.

This presentation (1:12:14) is given by Dr. Emily Trittschuh from the Geriatric Research and Education Center at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Trittschuh discusses and characterizes dementia, delirium, and depression. She identifies key similarities and differences between these clinical syndrome, their warning signs, and how to initiate diagnostic work-up.

This presentation (1:04:30) given by Dr. Katherine Bennett from the Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington is part of the Winter 2020 NW Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center's Geriatric Health Care Series. Dr. Bennett describes the evolution of the Age-Friendly Health System movement. She also explains the four essential elements that comprise the “4Ms” framework of an Age-Friendly Health System. Finally, she describes tools that can be used to implement Age-Friendly Care in your organization.

This presentation (53:34 minutes) given by Dr. Kim Felder from the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Fleder discusses and identifies common conditions of the feet in older adults. She also describes presenting symptoms, potential causes, diagnostic methods and treatment plans related to foot problems. Finally, she describes the role of the multidisciplinary team in referring patients with foot problems to appropriate specialists. Presentation slides are available for download through the link.

This presentation (1:15:08) given by Dr. Barbara Cochrane from the University of Washington School of Nursing is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Cochrane describes the various contexts of older women’s lives that influence their health. She also identifies biological and age-related changes that impact healthy aging in women. Finally, she discusses considerations for clinical encounters with older women, including recommendations for making lifestyle changes and promoting health.

This presentation (1:17:04) given by Dr. John A. Drew Sturgeon from the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Drew Sturgeon reviews research regarding evidence-based psychological approaches for pain management in older adults. He also describes mechanisms of effective non-pharmacologic pain management in older adults.

This presentation (1:13:52) given by Dr. Zachary Marcum from the School of Pharmacy/University of Washington is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Marcum describes the factors that increase the risk of medication non-adherence in older adults. He also identifies health policy initiatives, including quality measures, related to medication adherence in older adults. Finally, he suggests areas for future research to improve medication adherence in older adults. Presentation slides are available for download through the link.

This presentation (1:11:31) given by Dr. Marissa Black, Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Black discusses factors affecting nutritional and health status of older adults. She also discusses the nutrition assessment process and tools that can be used. Finally, she lists nutrition requirements in the aging population as well as practical interventions. Presentation slides are available for download through the link. (Presentation begins at 4:40 minutes).

This presentation (1:21:04) given by Dr. Jose M. Garcia from the Department of Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System is part of the NW GWEC's Geriatric Health Care Lecture Series for Winter 2020. Dr. Garcia discusses the impact frailty can have on the well-being of the older adult, and how frailty can be prevented. He also describes what happens to you physically and psychologically as you get older and how it is related to frailty. Finally, he provides advice on how to prevent frailty, reverse it, or slow down its progression, with a particular focus on diet and physical activity.