General provisions

The course is optional in the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy and the Master's Programme in Drug Management.

Entry requirements

150 credits, including credits in pharmaceutical sciences. Previous studies should contain Pharmacokinetics 7 credits and Pharmacotherapy 6 credits and Physiology and Pharmacology.

Proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to contribute to a better use of drugs in the elderly.

After examination, the student should be able to:

- evaluate drug therapy based on older patients' specific conditions and explain why certain drugs are unsuitable for the elderly patient.

- identify and describe medication-related problems in a given elderly patient from drug list, symptom rating scale and patient records.

- address the identified drug-related problems by selecting and motivating the appropriate drug therapy for medication, dosage, dosage intervals, dosage form and duration of treatment tailored to a given elderly patient, other medications, and current recommendations.

- identify drugs that require phasing, explain the reasons behind this, and state phase-out schedule.

- choose appropriate non-pharmacological treatment with regard to a given elderly patient and current recommendations.

- document a written patient case and present it orally.

Content

The course includes common diseases among older patients. The student works with and discusses patient case from medication list, symptom assessment scale and medical records. The student also obtains an insight in Swedish geriatric care through practice on specific housing. During practice, the student documents a patient case.

During the course, the student may also train:

- the ability to communicate with patients and health-care personnel

- the ability to search, sort, critically review and pass on drug-related information

- oral presentation

- decision making

- independent thinking

- work in groups

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, group discussions, seminars, self-study of literature and practice. Problem-based learning is included as a working method.

Compulsory parts of the course:

group discussions, seminars, practice, written assignments and oral presentations.

Assessment

Written examination takes place at the end of the course. For a passing grade the student must pass the examination (3 hp) and all portions of the course that are obligatory (2,5 hp) and clinical attachment (2 hp). A chance to finalise a failed compulsory part can be arranged only at the next course occasion and only in case of a vacancy.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other directives

The student needs to show a health certificate according to current routines in order to start the practice (VFU). During VFU, working hours other than Monday to Friday at 08:00 to 17:00 may occur. Under the VFU, basic hygiene routines should be applied, for example concerning short-sleeves, jewelry and artificial nails. The examiner may interrupt the current VFU. For a passing grade, the student must attend all the VFU days of the course.

This course replaces and corresponds to Drugs and the Elderly 3FB060 or 3FB415.