Geriatric Specialization Preparation Program Part 2: Identifying and Managing Frailty in Older Adult Care
Description
In preparation for the Geriatric specialty boards, clinicians should be immersed in review of the current science of aging, and evidence-based applications in screening, comprehensive evaluation and functional assessments, care planning and coordination across the healthcare spectrum. Physical therapists often provide consultation and intervention for older adults with functional limitations affecting independence, vitality and quality of life in the absence of a distinct diagnosis. This program will focus on the topic of frailty as a clinical issue which reaches across geriatric settings and conditions, challenging clinicians to think comprehensively about modifiable factors within therapy encounters to optimize long term outcomes for aging adults.
Frailty is NOT a consequence of aging. Frailty is recognized as a multisystem involvement where total physiological reserve is decreased, becoming insufficient for maintenance and repair. Frailty is a progressive condition that begins with a preclinical stage, providing opportunity for early detection and prevention. The addition of physical, social, emotional and psychological stressors, not necessarily in association with disease or dysfunction may move the individual into the dynamic progression from robust to functional decline. Frailty is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes including disability, falls, hospitalization, dementia, poor quality of life and mortality.
Assessment of frailty risk and numerous strategies to stabilize or even reverse this decline will be discussed. The geriatric physical therapy specialist can be influential in identifying contributing factors and risk through objective measures, providing effective therapeutic interventions and recommending referral to health team associates for necessary support and integrative services.
About The Speaker(s)
Kathryn K Brewer, PT, DPT, MEd, CEEAA
Geriatric Certified Specialist
Dr. Brewer graduated with her degree in Physical Therapy from the Ohio State University and received her Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati. Her doctorate degree is from Temple University. She has been certified as a geriatric specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists since 1994. Dr. Brewer currently practices at Mayo Clinic as the Therapy Clinical Education Specialist and faculty for the PT Geriatric Residency program. She holds academic rank as Assistant Professor in the Mayo College of Medicine and is a Senior Fellow in the Academy of Educational Excellence, Education Administration and Leadership. She was awarded the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Allied Health Educator of the year 2015.
Dr. Brewer is a dedicated clinician and educator with over 40 years of experience. She actively participates in professional initiatives which effect practice, awareness, advocacy and rehabilitation care management for older adults.
