New Online Course: Management of Mental Health Conditions in Homebound Patients
Date: 11|17|2022
Compared to the general population, homebound patients are more vulnerable to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. In fact, one study found 40.5% of homebound elderly patients had a psychiatric disorder1. Another study of homebound adults receiving delivered meals said 12.2% reported clinically significant depression and 13.4% reported suicidal thoughts2.
To help home-based primary care providers (HBPC) assess and manage mental health disorders among their patients, HCCI recently collaborated with subject matter expert Dr. James Ellison, Director of the Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation at ChristianaCare, to develop its latest online course: Management of Mental Health Conditions in Homebound Patients. Dr. Ellison is a recognized clinician, researcher, and educator in geriatric and adult psychiatry with special expertise in geriatric mood and anxiety disorders, and neurocognitive disorders.
“Mental health conditions are extremely prevalent in homebound patients,” said Melissa Singleton, MEd, Chief Learning Officer for HCCI. “Our goal in working with Dr. Ellison to develop this course was to equip HBPC providers with the knowledge and tools required to recognize and manage these conditions confidently using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, and by pulling in additional resources as needed.”
Intended for HBPC physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals, the course covers how to implement strategies and provide services to patients with mood and behavioral disorders, prepare for and respond to urgent situations, and support families and caregivers. According to Dr. Ellison, “The course explores a broad approach to classifying and managing the most frequent behavioral disorders encountered in the home care of older adults. Beyond that, it provides detailed guidance that empowers clinicians to address the treatment of these disorders with evidence-based, effective treatment strategies.”
Management of Mental Health Conditions in Homebound Patients is available for purchase on the HCCI Learning Hub™. The web-based, on-demand course is designated for CME/CE credit. Register directly here.