Pharmacology for Geriatric Practice
Presented by Kenneth L. Miller
Non-Financial: Ken Miller has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Annually in the US, there are about 400,000 preventable adverse drug events that account for $3.5 billion in extra costs. Physical therapists are key members of the interdisciplinary health care team with the knowledge and skills to monitor patients' medication for intended effects, side effects and adverse drug events in the geriatric population. Using the 2015 Updated Beers Criteria - List of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults (published by the American Geriatrics Society), physical therapists have the necessary tools to address medication safety with their patients to reduce the risk of adverse drug events and associated re-hospitalizations which are considered preventable. Many older adults believe that over the counter medications are "safe" for them to use, not knowing the dangers these medications pose. The Beers Criteria is a useful tool for therapists to integrate into practice to determine which prescription and over the counter medications are potentially inappropriate and/or the effects medications may have on physical performance and functional ability.
Meet your instructor
Kenneth L. Miller
Dr. Kenneth L. Miller is an Associate Professor and Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program Director at the Medical University of South Carolina in the Division of Physical Therapy. He earned his PhD in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 2024 and is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Pharmacology Basics
This chapter will explore how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics changes occur with aging in clinical terms with a focus on the intended effects, unintended effects and potential risks older persons face. This chapter also will provide definitions of commonly used terms regarding pharmacology.
2. Using the Updated BEERS Criteria in Practice
This chapter will introduce the Updated BEERS Criteria tool and demonstrate how to use it to improve medication safety in the older adult. The tool lists potentially inappropriate medications by class and explains the adverse effects seen with the medications.
3. Medication Review
This chapter will use case scenarios to highlight common medication misconceptions regarding medication safety with over the counter and commonly prescribed medications. Example medication review will be provided.
4. Differentiating Adverse Drug Reactions
This chapter will explain medication side effects seen with the older adult and provide tools to differentiate patient signs and symptoms attributed to medication side effects and other causes.
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