Caring for the Frail Aged
Aged Care training workshops for General Practitioners
GP Coastal has recently completed a series of workshops in Aged Care with some very encouraging results. Overall I believe that given the good attendance at all the workshops (between 25 and 38 GPs) they were timely and the topics chosen were topics chosen by GP's during our survey last year.
This multidisciplinary Training Program was developed as one of a range of strategies to support GPs providing care to the elderly and / or working in Aged Care Facilities. It was aimed at offering GPs support and education in the care of the frail aged, with specific emphasis on medical care and quality of life for residents of aged care facilities.The course consisted of an introductory dinner with all the Aged Care Specialist involved in giving the workshops as well as 7 monthly interactive evening workshops. Participants brought with them case studies for each workshop or verbally discussed issues and problems faced working in aged care. Participants were asked to complete pre- reading for each of the sessions. Learning objectives were set resulting from discussions with Perth and Hills division and their experience in holding similar events and from individual consultations with GP Coastal Panel General Practitioners.
Judging from a preliminary overview of the evaluation forms gathered after every workshop the course was highly regarded and requests were received for additional aged care subjects to be included in the next series, should GP Coastal decide to hold another series. We have had specific requests for issues in mental health in the aged and pain management. GP Coastal will keep everyone fully informed about future workshops.
Overall Outcomes
- Develop skills in the delivery of holistic health in the elderly
- Diagnose and manage some diseases commonly found in the elderly in a primary health care setting
- Understand the issues involved in palliative care
- Understand the legal and ethical issues involved in caring for the elderly
- Developing some understanding of the paperwork required when working in aged care
Conclusion
We would like to thank the participants, the speakers and the support staff for making these workshops the success they were. Check out the photos below and see how much hard work was done!
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| Dr Roger Clarnette giving us a very complex eithical issue to discuss. |
Learning about RMMR's and CMA's in aged care |
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| Dr Andrew Wesseldine discusses Cardio-vascular disease in the aged | Di Simpson, Dr Ken Cullin and Dr Peter Foley |
Another Successful GP Weekend!
The annual GP Weekend was held, in conjunction with Osborne Division of General Practice, on the 1st and 2nd of April at the beautiful Vines Resort in the Swan Valley. The theme for the weekend was "Disaster Management in General Practice: are you prepared?" and several s eminars and practical sessions were offered with this in mind. Families and loved ones didn't miss out and were well catered for with a fun filled social calendar ensuring that all attendees thoroughly enjoyed their stay at The Vines.
A special thank you must go out to Russell and David from Label n Table who provided the wonderful entertainment during dinner on Saturday night. I'm sure everyone will agree that the wine challenge and epicurean quiz was a highlight of the weekend.
Below are some of the photographs taken over the weekend. To view a larger version of any image, simply click on the photograph.
