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Practicing Physician and Patient Tools

The following tools, developed for the Practicing Physician Education Project supported by a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation through the American Geriatrics Society, are intended to help physicians better understand and manage the common 'Geriatric Syndromes' of Urinary Incontinence, Memory Loss, Falls and Depression.

The "Geriatric Syndromes" are common in primary care practice, but can be difficult to manage. The physician often needs to engage patients and caregivers in active learning about diagnostic and treatment options.

This web page is designed to provide you with physician and patient tools of the PPE toolkits. These tools created especially for the Practicing Physician Education(PPE) project may be photocopied as is, without specific permission. The tools are divided into 4 categories: Professional Tools, Patient Forms, Patient Handouts and Additional Resource.

The toolkits encourage information gathering and learning by the patient before an office evaluation, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of the visits. For each syndrome, there are a variety of tools to assist the physician in data gathering, recording and patient education.

To learn more about The Practicing Physician Education Project Rationale click here.

Memory Loss
Authors: Bruce E. Robinson MD MPH, Patricia P. Barry MD MPH

Used for the first evaluation of a patient with cognitive problems and suspected dementia. Professional tools automate data gathering and recording. Educational materials teach patients/caregivers about common associated problems

Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Jan Busby-Whitehead, MD, Jean Kincade, RN PhD, Deborah Lekan-Rutledge, RN MSN, Lisa Granville MD.

Used for the initial evaluation of a patient with urinary incontinence. Automates collection of baseline information on pattern, frequency and impact of incontinence. Collects background information important in differential diagnosis. Educational materials teach patients self-management techniques and explain medical and surgical treatment options

Depression
Authors: Sharon Brangman MD, Bruce E. Robinson MD MPH

Used for the initial evaluation of a patient with suspected depression. Gathers information important to differential diagnosis. Depression screens used are the Geriatric Depression Scale and the PHQ-9. Educational materials for patient/family education discuss critical management concepts

Falls
Authors: Rosemary D. Laird MD, MHA, Bruce E. Robinson MD, MPH

Used for the evaluation and management of falls. Includes "Get Up and Go Test", a home safety questionnaire and an evaluation form for the initial visit. Educational materials for patient/family include tips for reducing risk of falls and improving balance

The entire Practicing Physician Education Project kits can be found at www.gericareonline.net. Here you will find additional information on the Clinical Problem, the Clinical Process, and Case Studies.