Common and challenging conditions in the care of older patients in general practice: chronic wounds and delirium

The Western Health Geriatrics team will provide an update of two common and challenging conditions in the care of older patients. We will outline how to assess and manage chronic wounds, including the appropriate dressings to be used. An update of the assessment and management of a patient with delirium will also be provided, including the appropriate use of medication.

GPs and nurses will learn how to assess patients with chronic wounds and be guided on a systematic approach to managing this group of patients. Dressing types will be explained, including the appropriate dressings to be used on different wound types. 

An update on the assessment and management of delirium with case-based discussion will be provided. GPs and nurses will become familiar with non-pharmacological management strategies and indications and options for pharmacotherapy management of delirium. By the end of the activity GPs and nurses will be able to explain the principles of assessment of an older person with delirium and identify possible causes. 

Speakers

Dr Elizabeth Dapiran 

Dr Elizebeth Depiran is a geriatrician working at Western Health, with a special interest in chronic wound management. She also worked in Western Health’s chronic wound clinic since 2011, and has a master’s degree in wound management from Monash Health.

Dr Inese Tucker 

Dr Inese Tucker is a geriatrician working at Western Health for over 10 years, with an interest in community geriatrics, including residential care and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. 

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

• evaluate chronic wounds and identify factors preventing wound healing 
• demonstrate knowledge of different dressing types and explain their appropriate use 
• explain the principles of assessment of an older person with delirium and identify possible causes. 
• discuss the non-pharmacological management strategies and indications and options for pharmacotherapy management of delirium.