Safe Prescribing and Medication Management for Older Adults

As the aging population grows, managing complex medication regimens becomes a critical clinical challenge. Older adults experience unique physiological changes that alter drug metabolism, significantly increasing the risk of adverse drug events and polypharmacy. This text-based course equips you with the foundational knowledge to prescribe safely and manage medications effectively for older patients. Through structured readings and clinical scenarios, you will learn to evaluate age-related pharmacokinetic changes, recognize high-risk medications, and implement structured de-prescribing strategies to improve patient safety. What you'll learn: - Understand the physiological and pharmacokinetic changes that alter drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in older adults. - Identify high-risk medications using modern clinical guidelines, including the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START criteria. - Manage and reduce polypharmacy through systematic medication reconciliation and evidence-based de-prescribing protocols. - Apply patient-centered communication strategies to discuss medication changes, adherence, and goals of care with older adults and their families. - Evaluate adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions common in geriatric care. The course begins with foundational concepts in geriatric pharmacology and physiological aging before moving into practical clinical decision-making, de-prescribing workflows, and patient communication scenarios. This course is designed for healthcare students, early-career clinicians, and nursing or pharmacy professionals seeking a solid introduction to geriatric medication management. No advanced prior training in geriatrics is required. Start reading today to enhance your clinical practice and support safer healthcare journeys for older adults.