AMDA Seminar on managing mood/behavior challenges in LTC

amda:  Dedicated to Long Term Care Medicine

Navigating Mood and Behavior Challenges in Long Term Care:

Strategies for Optimal Outcomes

Mood and behavioral problems impact the majority of patients in long term care. State surveyor guidance will continue to review the use of atypical antipsychotic medications to treat Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Overuse of antidepressants is also a growing concern and the treatment of the “depression of Alzheimer’s disease” needs to be understood.

This course will pursue an evidence-based approach to non-drug interventions. Physicians need to know when, how and why to use a wide complement of diagnostic tools and interventions for better patient care. We will also describe AMDA’s quality initiative with the National Quality Forum and two measures that impact both short-term and long-term stay residents who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease but do not yet carry an accurate diagnosis. Breakout workshops will again provide practical strategies and solutions in navigating mental health challenges in the long term care setting. Case based presentations in abstract form will be submitted by attendees for full panel discussion in the afternoon. Relevant handouts and take home tools will be disseminated.

Target Audience: Medical directors, attending physicians, practitioners, nurses and other professionals practicing in long term care.

---

Overall Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• Review AMDA and CMS initiatives regarding atypical antipsychotic prescribing in long term care settings.
• Utilize the checks and balances in F tag 329 that protect patients and practitioners alike.
• Identify criteria that characterize advanced stages of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.
• Discuss treatment options for long term care residents with depression.
• Explain the evidence supporting non-pharmacologic interventions to improve the behavioral disturbances of advanced dementia.
• Apply AMDA NQF diagnostic criteria for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for both long-term and short-term stay residents.
• Engage in case presentations illustrative of the mood and behavioral challenges faced in today’s long-term care environment.

Sep 21, 2013  New Orleans, LA             More information:  AMDA.com  click "education"