Care of the Older Person

Care of the Older Person is a highly interactive, blended learning programme designed to provide the participant with a sound understanding of common presentations for older people in general practice, and to enable GPs to successfully manage their patients' problems.

The modular approach provides a GP-friendly and accessible platform with an option to complete the entire course or to choose specific modules during the year. Each module attracts 4 CPD credits and 0.5 days GMS study leave.

Course fees

The course will commence in September 2023 and run until March 2024. Pre reading and other elearning content will be available online in advance of each module. Participants are expected to attend the live webinar plus Q&A session per module, which will generally be held at 8pm on a Wednesday evening.

• Full course registration is now closed 
• Admission deadlines and further information for each module are available in the next section on this page

Who is this course suitable for?
All GPs who wish to increase their learning in caring for the older person; GPs in training who wish to augment their training in this area of interest.

How will it be taught?

• Pre-course and post-course learning needs assessment
• A blend of pre-module reading and viewing of recorded content
• Live interactive webinar including Q&A with subject experts
• Participants will be expected to post anonymised clinical cases for discussion via a moderated discussion forum
• Post webinar, participants will receive electronic handouts summarising the key learning/practice points
• Webinar recordings will be available to participants throughout the year

What will you learn?

• The course will provide evidence-based knowledge on common conditions in the older person including Ageing in Ireland; Multi-Morbidity and Reablement; Nutrition, Bone Health and Falls Prevention; Mental Health and the Older Person; Residential Care Medicine and Medication Management; Continence, Infection and Safeguarding and Advance Directives & End of Life Care
• The doctor will receive evidence-based learning on best practice and signposting to relevant guidelines
• The course promotes effective communication skills, discusses ethical considerations in the consultation including confidentiality and informed consent, promotes good record keeping and patient-centred care
• Areas of patient safety will be highlighted for example, management of acute confusion, use of PRNs and assessment of capacity
• Learning needs will be addressed through pre module MCQs and post module MCQs

How will the course/module be assessed?

• Live Webinar plus Q&A attendance
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Participation in discussions board
• Audit/quality improvement project*

*Participants completing the full course may choose to submit an audit/quality improvement project to demonstrate their learning and the project ideas will be designed to meet this requirement for PCS in 2023-2024.