About Toolkits

The Tool Kits

Tool kit topics were identified through a 1998 needs assessment of American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Physicians (ACP) members. Tool kits are currently available on:

Memory Loss
Urinary Incontinence
Depression
Falls
Heart Failure
Persistent Pain Management
Prevention

In 2006, the PPE project team will be working with specialists in Web-based education to redesign the online tools. The goal is to make the tools as user-friendly and accessible as possible to a wide audience of primary care providers and older adults and their families.

References

Physician confidence and interest in learning more about common geriatric topics: A needs assessment. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2001;49:963-967

The Practicing Physician Education project: A tool kit for dementia. Annals of Long-Term Care. 2001;9(2):42-52.

The use of the opinion leader in continuing medical education. Medical Teacher. 2003;25(4):438-441.


			The initial four tool kits (Memory Loss, Urinary Incontinence, Depression, and Falls) were developed for the Practicing Physician Education in Geriatrics project supported by a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation through the American Geriatrics Society. The MIAH is providing continued support for the ongoing development of new tool kits through September 2006. The tool kits are intended to help physicians better understand the common 'Geriatric Syndromes' and contain educational materials, suggested guidelines, forms and tools for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

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. Recommended measures include the Folstein MMSE, Geriatric Depression Scale, and the modified Hachinski. Educational materials teach patients/caregivers about common associated problems.

Access Memory Loss Tool Kit

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.

Access Urinary Incontinence Tool Kit

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.

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Heart Failure
Authors: Daniel E. Forman, MD and Bruce E. Robinson MD, MPH

The five professional tools and patient forms and 14 educational tools included in the Heart Failure Tool Kit will help physicians collect necessary information about their patients and better evaluate them. The patient handouts will educate patients and family members about heart failure, related risk factors, and ways to live with the disease.

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Persistent Pain
Authors: Lisa Granville, MD, Cynthia X. Pan, MD, and Bruce E. Robinson MD, MPH

The Persistent Pain Tool Kit includes 18 professional tools and patient forms that will help physicians learn to detect persistent pain in their patients, educate patients about how to manage their pain, and monitor and respond to the effects of ongoing pain treatments.

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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.

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Prevention
Authors: Bruce E. Robinson MD, MPH, Kate Ackerman, MD, MPH, Patricia P. Barry, MD, MPH, Lisa Granville, MD

The Prevention Tool Kit offers one practical approach to organizing clinical preventive services for older adults in your office practice. This tool kit is based on the Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+, published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This tool kit also contains additional patient education materials to provide an efficient way of handling the questions that arise from the many preventive choices available today.

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	The tool kits are designed for use by medical professionals and are not recommended for use by lay persons looking to diagnose or manage a medical problem. However, if you are not a medical professional but are interested in the issues addressed in the tool kits, we encourage you to download the tools and discuss them with your doctor.