Geriatric Medicine

The aim of this module is to apply a chronic disease management framework for medical practitioners managing patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Learning includes incorporating a teams-based approach to ongoing patient management. The module commences with dementia statistics in the elderly. The significant role of the GP includes identifying the stages, types, diagnosis and characteristics of this disease. Information on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and testing options are discussed. Content includes cognitive function, pathology, imaging, depression assessment, medication review and function assessment. Non-pharmacological management of BPSD and pharmacotherapy information including potential side effects are discussed. Content includes managing physical co-morbidities, palliative care and advanced care directives. 

Management strategies include working with multidisciplinary teams and family and carers. The module concludes with comprehensive information on genetics and dementia risks, and what factors may contribute to the prevention of dementia. 

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. GPs are in an ideal position to identify and manage modifiable risk factors for CVAs such as hypertension and atrial fibrillation. They can also reduce the morbidity of stroke survivors by managing long term complications such as sexual dysfunction and depression.

The module commences with the burden, definitions, classifications and statistics of strokes and TIAs. Common symptoms are outlined together with mimics and atypical presentations of strokes. Mandatory and discretionary investigations are covered plus secondary prevention measures and guides for stroke management. Risk factors and stroke prevention are discussed.

Antithrombotic options are outlined and when surgical interventions are required. Content incorporates comprehensive information on complications in stroke survivors including depression, mood disturbance, sexual dysfunction, fatigue and driving restrictions. The module concludes with further TIA information on the risks of TIAs leading to strokes, investigations and patient management. 

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that requires attentive and multi-disciplinary management. Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (IPD) is the most common of the Parkinsonian disorders. The module commences with an introduction and definition before outlining the aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and pathogenesis of the disease. Diagnosing this condition requires careful history taking and examination, including an awareness of prodromal and cardinal symptoms. Motor symptoms including bradykinesia, rest tremor and rigidity are outlined. Non-motor symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, atypical features and exclusion criteria are also addressed.

Management strategies for the progression of symptoms including patient and carer communication are discussed. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are outlined for this complex and diverse disease. 

This module outlines the process of assessing an elderly person’s capacity for safe driving. Decision-making regarding the fitness to drive of elderly (or functionally impaired) patients is a particularly challenging aspect of general practice. The aim of this module is to improve understanding of options and resources when undertaking this difficult task.

The module commences with statistics and an introduction to the dilemma of patient independence versus safety. Resources are provided in assessing fitness to drive. GPs are encouraged to be opportunistic, observant and alert to red flags. The impact of chronic medical conditions may impede driving ability. Content includes tools to consider when patients present with a ‘Fitness to Drive’ medical form, including questions, history, examinations, cognition tests and assessments. A comprehensive case example is presented of an elderly couple over a number of years, to demonstrate varying patient considerations at particular life intervals. The module concludes with information about options available when a person is no longer able to drive. 

This module outlines the principles of the palliative approach to a range of end of life presentations and includes non-pharmacological, pharmacological and interventional treatment options. Content includes the understanding and management of three common patient symptoms in palliative care: neurological, haematological and dermatological.

The causes and management approach are detailed across all three areas. Neurological symptoms include headaches, seizures, restlessness, muscle cramps and spasms. Haematological problems are common in palliative care and the areas covered for this topic include anaemia, neutropenia and bleeding disorders. Dermatological symptoms include general skin care, pruritus, skin infections, pressure ulcers and peripheral oedema.

Care in the last days of life include recognising when death is approaching, preparing the family, and management of specific symptoms. Symptoms include pain, dyspnoea, respiratory tract secretions, agitation, nausea/vomiting, and refractory cases.    

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is the provision of medical assistance to end one’s life because they have an advanced medical condition that causes intolerable suffering. Comprehensive information is provided on VAD including eligibility and process. The module concludes with information on carer communication and support incorporating mental, physical and financial health issues.  

As we age, the overall risk of cancer increases. This module outlines how to identify common cancers that may occur in the elderly and the role of the general practitioner in their management. The module commences with statistics including cancer types as we age before moving to common cancers.

The focus of this module includes cancer screening, diagnosis, prevention and treatment in the elderly. Early detection of cancer information and screening tests are included for breast, prostate, colon, lung and melanoma cancers. How cancers are formed and risk factors are detailed. Prevention is an effective long-term strategy for reducing the burden of cancer and is a key element in cancer control in Australia. Lifestyle modifications, chemoprevention options, screening and risk factors for each of the five areas are included. Cancer treatment modalities are discussed including multi-disciplinary and palliative care. An awareness of psycho-social care is important when managing elderly patients with cancer. 

This module provides an overview of four common causes of visual impairment in older adults: age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

ARMD is a common, chronic, progressive degenerative disorder of the macula. Clinical classifications are described with anatomical images to demonstrate how the disease affects the eye. Risk factors are listed before moving to symptoms and physical examination information. Diagnosis and ongoing management include diet, supplements, lifestyle factors and prevention.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens which occurs naturally with age. Symptoms, physical examination, risk factors and management include surgical and non-surgical management options.

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease which results in complex optic nerve atrophy/loss of retinal ganglion cells. Anatomical images provide an understanding of the impact of this disease on the eye. Symptoms, risk factors, examinations and treatment options are outlined.

The final condition in this module is diabetic retinopathy. This is the presence of retinal microvascular lesions as a manifestation of long-term diabetes. Risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, assessment, management and complications are included for this condition. 

This module provides an overview of chronic non-cancer pain in older adults including definitions, pathophysiology, assessment and management. Content commences with a general overview of chronic pain incorporating pain categories and pain types then focusing on the causes and effects of chronic pain on the older person’s life.

Comprehensive assessment includes targeted investigations, patient history and may include psychological and social considerations. Guides are provided including pain assessment in patients with major cognitive impairment. Physical examinations and imaging options form part of the assessment.

Content includes comprehensive information on non-pharmacologic treatments. Physical interventions, physiotherapy, psychological interventions and psychoeducation options are explored. Non-opioid analgesics are generally preferred over opioids as first line pharmacologic management of chronic pain. Available medications are discussed in detail. The module concludes with comprehensive information on opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain.

The Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine is tailored for medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve outcomes for elderly patients seen in general practice. This qualification is stage two of the Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine pathway.

The course is suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. The prerequisite for this Advanced Certificate course is the successful completion of the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine (or a qualification deemed equivalent). 

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine and CPD hours.

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the three-part Professional Diploma pathway in Geriatric Medicine. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Geriatric Medicine, and Professional Diploma of Geriatric Medicine.

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

• Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
• Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
• Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
• Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
• Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 88.5 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.