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Multimorbidity and Complexity of Medicines Use in Older People

The University of Auckland offers a comprehensive online course, Multimorbidity and Complexity of Medicines Use in Older People, designed for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize healthcare and wellbeing outcomes for older adults.

Course Overview

This 12-week course provides an essential opportunity for practitioners to develop the skills required to provide safe, effective care for older adults. It focuses on the complexities of medication management in older populations, including polypharmacy, multimorbidity, and frailty.

Recommended Background

An undergraduate degree in a health field and/or experience working with older people is recommended. University Entrance (or equivalent) is required for admission.

Duration and Next Start Dates

The course runs for 12 weeks, with the next start date in Semester 1: 2 March (Applications close 16 February).

Domestic Fees

The estimated domestic fee for this course is $2,886.30, inclusive of 15% GST. Please note that fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on the University's webpage.

Course Structure

The course comprises six fortnightly modules:

• Perspectives of medication use and multimorbidity in older people
• Medicine response and medicines related harm in older people
• Optimisation of medicines for mental health, neurological conditions and pain
• Optimisation of medicines for cardiovascular conditions
• Optimisation of medicines for endocrine and musculoskeletal conditions
• Managing complexity of medicines use and multimorbidity in older people

Course Benefits

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the factors contributing to the increased risk of inappropriate medication use and medication-related harm in older adults.
2. Explain how polypharmacy, multimorbidity, and frailty contribute to the complexity of medication management in older populations.
3. Assess the implications of the increasing older population and the corresponding rise in medication use.
4. Critically evaluate the challenges of balancing the benefits and harms of medications as individuals age.
5. Evaluate the risks and benefits associated with major domains of medicine use in the context of older adults.

Learners who complete this course will be awarded 30 credit points from the University of Auckland and may apply these credits towards a range of postgraduate programmes, including the Master of Health Sciences, Master of Nursing, or other related postgraduate certificates and diplomas.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the entry requirements? This course is designed for working professionals. To be admitted, you must meet the requirements to study at a New Zealand University.
• Is this course open to non-resident students? No, currently, University of Auckland Online Certificates of Proficiency are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.
• Can I study the course in my own time? Yes, you can study at a time that suits you within the allocated course dates.
• How will I be assessed? Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that address the learning objectives from each of the modules in the course.