AAFP Geriatric Medicine Edition 13 (Videos + PDFs)

AAFP Geriatric Medicine Edition 13 (Videos + PDFs)

Comprehensive Geriatric Care Education for Family Physicians and Primary Care Clinicians

Overview

AAFP Geriatric Medicine Edition 13 is a comprehensive continuing medical education program developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians to help healthcare professionals effectively manage the complex medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial needs of older adults.

As populations continue to age worldwide, clinicians increasingly encounter patients with multimorbidity, frailty, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, functional decline, and end-of-life care needs. This program provides practical, evidence-based guidance for delivering patient-centered geriatric care while preserving independence, optimizing quality of life, and improving long-term health outcomes.

Through expert-led lectures, clinical reviews, and case-based discussions, participants gain skills in managing chronic diseases, dementia, behavioral health disorders, preventive care, hospice and palliative medicine, and care coordination for elderly patients.

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Official Program Context

The AAFP lists Geriatric Medicine Edition 13 as an online geriatric CME course accredited for up to 22.75 AAFP Prescribed credits. This store product does not include CME credit or a certificate.

Official AAFP geriatrics and end-of-life care page

Educational Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Specialty

Geriatric Medicine & Primary Care

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Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Apply evidence-based recommendations for common geriatric conditions.
• Improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases in older adults.
• Recognize cognitive decline and dementia early.
• Optimize medication management and reduce polypharmacy risks.
• Implement preventive medicine and vaccination strategies.
• Improve communication with patients, families, and caregivers.
• Conduct advance care planning discussions effectively.
• Enhance care coordination for medically complex elderly patients.
• Utilize patient-centered approaches to improve quality of life.

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Core Topics Covered

Heart Failure in Older Adults

Topics Include

• Diagnosis and Monitoring
• Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy
• Functional Assessment
• Comorbidity Management
• Prevention of Hospital Readmissions

Focus on adapting cardiovascular care to the unique needs of aging patients.

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Chronic Disease Management

Topics Include

• Hypertension
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Multimorbidity Management

Participants learn strategies for balancing multiple chronic conditions while minimizing treatment burden.

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Stroke & Cerebrovascular Disease

Topics Include

• Stroke Prevention
• Secondary Prevention
• Functional Recovery
• Rehabilitation
• Long-Term Care Planning

Review of evidence-based approaches to reducing stroke-related disability.

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Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

Topics Include

• Early Recognition
• Cognitive Screening
• Diagnostic Evaluation
• Alzheimer’s Disease Management
• Caregiver Support

One of the major educational focuses of the course.

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Depression & Behavioral Health

Topics Include

• Late-Life Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Mental Health Screening
• Behavioral Interventions
• Pharmacologic Therapy

Discussion of common psychiatric conditions affecting older adults.

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Hospice & Palliative Care

Topics Include

• Symptom Management
• End-of-Life Care
• Goals of Care Discussions
• Quality of Life Optimization
• Family Support

Emphasis on compassionate and patient-centered care.

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Advance Care Planning

Topics Include

• Advance Directives
• Shared Decision-Making
• Ethical Considerations
• Healthcare Proxies
• Serious Illness Conversations

Participants develop skills for navigating complex care decisions.

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Elder Abuse & Neglect

Topics Include

• Recognition of Abuse
• Screening Tools
• Reporting Requirements
• Patient Protection
• Multidisciplinary Intervention

Focus on identification and prevention of elder mistreatment.

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Infectious Disease Prevention

Topics Include

• Antibiotic Stewardship
• Infection Prevention
• Appropriate Antibiotic Use
• Preventive Health Measures

Review of infection management principles in elderly populations.

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Immunizations in Older Adults

Topics Include

• Influenza Vaccination
• Pneumococcal Vaccines
• Herpes Zoster Prevention
• RSV Vaccination
• Adult Immunization Schedules

Updated recommendations for preventive care.

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Patient Communication & Care Coordination

Topics Include

• Health Literacy
• Shared Decision-Making
• Family Engagement
• Caregiver Communication
• Transitional Care Planning
• Cultural Competency

A major emphasis of the program is improving communication and healthcare navigation.

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Polypharmacy & Medication Management

Topics Include

• Medication Reconciliation
• Deprescribing Strategies
• Adverse Drug Events
• Drug Interactions
• Medication Optimization

Critical for reducing morbidity and improving functional outcomes.

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Functional Assessment & Fall Prevention

Topics Include

• Mobility Evaluation
• Frailty Assessment
• Fall Risk Screening
• Functional Independence
• Preventive Interventions

Practical tools for maintaining patient autonomy.

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Educational Highlights

Family Medicine Focus

Developed specifically for clinicians who provide longitudinal care to older adults.

Evidence-Based Practice

Incorporates current guidelines and best practices in geriatric medicine.

Comprehensive Scope

Addresses medical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and functional aspects of aging.

Patient-Centered Care

Emphasizes individualized treatment plans and quality-of-life considerations.

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Target Audience

Physicians

• Family Medicine Physicians
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Geriatricians
• Primary Care Physicians
• Hospitalists
• Hospice & Palliative Care Physicians

Advanced Practice Providers

• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants

Allied Health Professionals

• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Social Workers
• Care Coordinators
• Healthcare Professionals involved in geriatric care

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Why This Course Stands Out

✔ Comprehensive geriatric medicine review

✔ Developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians

✔ Strong focus on chronic disease management

✔ Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease education

✔ Hospice and palliative care training

✔ Advance care planning guidance

✔ Polypharmacy and medication safety review

✔ Immunization and preventive care updates

✔ Elder abuse recognition and intervention

✔ Practical communication and care coordination skills

✔ Evidence-based clinical recommendations

✔ Family medicine and primary care orientation