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Medicines Optimisation in Older People (Online)

The Medicines Optimisation in Older People micro-credential is designed to create a critical awareness of the problems associated with the use of medicines in older people. This includes consideration of health inequities and vulnerable groups, as well as the appropriate and safe use of medicines.

Recommended Background

Students will be health practitioners with an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification. University Entrance (or equivalent required for admission) is necessary. Currently, micro-credentials are only available to NZ citizens and permanent residents.

Duration

The course duration is 4 weeks.

Next Start Dates

The next start dates for the course are:

• 16 February (Q1)
• 18 May (Q2)
• 10 August (Q3)
• 2 November (Q4) Enrolment closes one week before the course starts.

Domestic Fees

The domestic fee for the course is $320 (estimate). Please note that the programme fees are indicative and estimates only. Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this webpage. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

Course Structure

This 5-point micro-credential comprises 4 weekly modules and is designed to build on learners knowledge and skills to use medicines safely and effectively in older people to optimise their health outcomes. The course has an emphasis on the advanced application of generic knowledge and skills that the targeted practitioners already have.

Weekly Modules

The course includes the following weekly modules:

1. Medicines use in older people: a population perspective - Demographic ageing means both the proportion and the number of older people in society is increasing, and older people have an increased burden of health problems and associated medicines use.
2. Age-related changes in the handling of medicines in older people - Physiological changes occur with aging which may affect response to medicines.
3. Harms of medicines use in older people - Polypharmacy and inappropriate use of medicines (including medicines overload) is highly prevalent in older people and is associated with an increased risk of harm.
4. Principles of optimising medicines use in older people - Medicines used in older people should be reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate, safe and effective; consideration should be given to stopping inappropriate medicines.

Course Benefits

Upon completion of the course, learners will be awarded with 5 credit points from the University of Auckland. They will also be issued with a Digital Badge from the University of Auckland, which can be shared across digital profiles like LinkedIn. For practising nurses looking for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this course will provide 50 hours of learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application FAQs

• What are the entry requirements? This course is for health practitioners (with an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification).
• Can I pay for my micro-credential through StudyLink? Unfortunately, Student Loan (through StudyLink) cannot be used to pay for a micro-credential.
• Is this micro-credential open to non-resident students? No, currently micro-credentials are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.

Studying FAQs

• Can I study the course in my own time? You can study at a time that suits you (within the allocated course dates).
• How is the course structured? The course will run over 4 weeks, and will comprise of weekly modules, essentially 1 module per week.
• Can I study the course whilst working full-time? Yes, our courses are designed for working professionals and are structured to be flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have.

Assessment FAQs

• How will I be assessed? You will be assessed through case studies, weekly quizzes and a final test.

Benefits FAQs

• Does the course enable me to take further study at the University? All our micro-credentials are credit bearing, so that you can progress your studies further towards a degree qualification.
• How many course credits will I attain upon completion of the course? Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 5 credit points from the University of Auckland.
• Do I get a certificate at the end? Will it reflect online micro-credential? Upon completion of the course, you will be issued with a digital badge from the University of Auckland which you can share across your digital profiles like LinkedIn.
• Im a practising nurse. How many hours of learning will this course provide for my CPD? Successful completion of this course will provide you with 50 hours of learning (certified) which you can record as part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).