Over 380 healthcare professionals gathered virtually to attend the 30th Annual Clinical Update in Geriatric Medicine held March 31 through April 1, 2022.

This stellar two-day educational event attracted attendees from 25 states, including California, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Washington and representation from two countries: Canada and Puerto Rico.

Attendees recognized and appreciated the convenience of attending the conference from their home or office, while participating in dynamic educational sessions. An added benefit for all registrants:  the ability to view recorded lectures and download the handout materials, up to 30 days after the conference.

With the fastest growing segment of the population comprised of individuals more than 85 years of age, this conference is a premier educational resource for healthcare professionals involved in the direct care of older people. Presented by the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society – Western Division, UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Aging Institute and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Center for Continuing Education in Health Sciences, the program offered an evidence-based approach to help clinicians take exceptional care of these often-frail individuals.

Highlights of the meeting included Live Q&A Sessions with presenters. By using the chat feature, attendees had the opportunity to engage with speakers in these informative sessions.

Back by popular demand, the Geriatric Cardiology Expert Panel featuring Parag Goyal, MD, MSc, providing an update in heart failure; Deirdre O’Neill, MD addressing considerations and nuances when prescribing anticoagulation in older adults with atrial fibrillation; and Daniel Forman, MD presenting: management of hypertension informed by aggregate risk assessment and shared decision-making.

Immediately following, the cardiology panel participated in a live, rapid-fire Q&A session. Moderated by Shuja Hassan, MD and Course Director, the lively session included a framework for each presenter to comment and host a dialogue with their colleagues on a variety of cardiology questions.

Thank you to our Premier Sponsors: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield - Allegheny Health Network and UPMC Health Plan, and to all the exhibitors who sponsored the program.

The Virtual Exhibit Hall featured 7 exhibitors and offered attendees the opportunity to engage with representatives to learn more about their products and resources.

Congratulations to the winners of the raffle (sponsored by the Society): Michele Govan, Carla Loughner, Lynne Roberts, Antonina Eyster and Peter Moulder. Winners received a $50 Visa Gift Card. 

Who We Are

As a regional affiliate of the American Geriatrics Society, the organization provides leadership for professionals, policy makers and the public in the area served. The organization aids in the efforts of the American Geriatrics Society in developing, implementing and advocating programs in patient care, research, professional education, public policy and public information for the Pennsylvania and region.

The strategic goals of the PAGS-WD are to:

1. Promote geriatric education for all geriatric healthcare professionals.

2. Provide an active forum and opportunity for networking and engagement with other professionals who share an interest in improving care for the older adults

3. Advocate for programs and public policy, which will improve the
health and well being of older adults.

4. Encourage students and residents to pursue a career in geriatrics.

This conference provides a Partnership effort from 

Read below or in the latest Newsletter

The Society has compiled list or resources which may be helpful for organizations and businesses that serve older adults. Check the site periodically as we will continue to update this list as new information becomes available. Contact Nadine Popovich at npopovich@acms.org if you have a resource that we can add to the list. 

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

Respecting Choices 

https://respectingchoices.org/

Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)

https://www.capc.org/toolkits/covid-19-response-resources/

Vital Talk

https://vitaltalk.org/guides/covid-19-communication-skills/

Senior's Guide to Exercise and Fitness

https://nanha.org/2020/09/16/seniors-guide-to-exercise-and-fitness/

Home Centered Care Institute

https://www.hccinstitute.org/

POLST COVID-19

https://polst.org/covid/

OHSU Center for Ethics in Healthcare

https://vimeo.com/399981062

What COVID-19 Exposed in Long-Term Care Documentary by Jewish Healthcare Foundation

https://youtu.be/l_rn54K1gKI 

• Provides  links to information for Allegheny County residents, information for specific groups including businesses and organizations, and updates.
• Stay up-to-date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts and subscribing to COVID-19. 

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING 

coVID-19 RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS 

United Way's PA 2-1-1 Southwest has established a formal arrangement to assist the Allegheny County Health Department. 2-1-1 resource navigators can provide general information about health questions related to the virus, referring those who need further evaluation to the Health Department;  connect individuals and families with services to meet emergency basic needs, like food, rent and utility payments; and provide the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations from local authorities. Those seeking help should dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898-211, or visit PA211.org

United Way’s PA 2-1-1 Southwest is a trusted source for reliable information. To receive text messages with the most up-to-date information and resources, sign up at  pa211sw.org/text-alerts.

GoodRX is offering Coronavirus (COVID-19) Screening and Triage at no charge.

Allegheny County Medical Society

COVID-19 RESOURCES 

Telehealth Payment Toolkit

CDC - THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 

RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS

Self-care for providers - These apps are providing free subscriptions to providers (headspace requires an individual NPI). The apps focus on mediation, and other relaxation techniques.

Headspace is offering free subscriptions to all US healthcare workers in 2020, given the circumstances. This is a mindfulness meditation app that comes highly recommended, though not usually inexpensive. To redeem a free subscription, one must provide his/her state and NPI, name, and email address.

Ten Percent Happier is another program/app offering free access for health care workers, with a PROMO Code of HEALTHCARE (in ALL CAPS). One needs to download the app onto a mobile device—a desktop computer will not work—and must log into the app using the same method used to redeem access on the website. The company asks that no one create more than one account and cautions that the website has been overwhelmed, thus necessitating multiple attempts to redeem access.