Lightning Talk

Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Managing Chronic Conditions Using an Occupational Therapy Approach

Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm CDT
Geriatrics

The Lightning Talk will focus on my occupational therapy doctoral capstone research conducted at the Jefferson Center for Healthy Aging, a geriatric primary care clinic in Philadelphia. The project aimed to reduce caregiver burden and increase caregiver self-efficacy by utilizing Skills2Care- Primary Care, a modified version of the evidence-based practice Skills2Care. Skills2Care is a non-pharmacologic occupational therapy intervention for caregivers of individuals with dementia. The study explores the novel approach of utilizing Skills2Care for an expanded sample of caregivers of patients managing at least one chronic condition. Caregiver needs must be addressed when reviewing the needs of an aging population, particularly when considering the increased demand for informal caregivers, meaning unpaid individuals caring for a family member or friend. Reducing stress through education and skill development can improve caregiver confidence. The Skills2Care-Primary Care approach embedded a 3- telephone session service into a geriatric primary care setting, allowing for caregiver support that was convenient for caregivers and did not impede clinic workflow. Through the Skills2Care-Primary Care protocol, participating caregivers identified challenging aspects of caregiving and received support with creating individualized action plans to address these concerns. Action plan strategies such as new communication techniques or environmental modifications were individualized to each caregiver’s unique concerns. Along with intervention strategies, the Lightning Talk will highlight the project's significant opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, as this collaboration was crucial to the project’s success. Note, this project builds on the previous research of Dr. Samuels, Dr. Vause-Earland, Dr. Love and Dr. Salzman, and Dr. Samuels titled “Evaluating Caregiver Needs and the Feasibility of an Occupational Therapy Consultation Service to Caregivers of People with Dementia in a Geriatric Ambulatory Clinic.”

Accreditation Details

In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.

Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.

Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.

Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.

IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.