Aging adults have complex health care needs and it is important for rehabilitation professionals to be able to identify needs working to optimize overall health. Aging adults are more likely to have multiple medical co-morbidities and polypharmacy needs. Both normal physiologic and pathological aging processes have significant effects on the structure and function of the body, which leads to limitations in functional independence, increased cost of health care and decreased quality of life. This course will focus on the principles of integumentary wound care and provide a foundation for future courses within the curriculum. This course is self-paced with a four-week time frame for completion.

Course Objectives/Outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful participant will be able to: 

• Examine the implications of physiological and pathological aging on the integumentary system on older adults in rehabilitation settings as it is related o acute and chronic wound management and healing  
• Explain the impact of environment, economic stability, education, healthcare access, and social/community factors within the scope of the client’s self-management of integument conditions.  
• Identify the type and precipitating factors related to each various wound etiology   
• Break down a treatment plan for managing each primary wound type including prevention, wound management strategies, and important principles for education of the wound host    
• Identify and implement management strategies for postural abnormalities in older adult patients that contribute to wound development   
• Distinguish various criteria when request for additional consultation is required and evaluate the importance of an Interprofessional team when managing integumentary conditions  

Applicability

• Advanced Geriatric Certification

Evidence in Motion is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 7003. This distance learning-independent activity is offered at 9 Contact hours/ .9 CEUs Intermediate, OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.