Abuse and Neglect for Health Care Professionals

Each year, millions of adults and children in the United States are abused and neglected. Many of them are severely assaulted, and thousands are killed. Others are intimidated, isolated, humiliated, and controlled by their abuser. Recognizing the signs of abuse, neglect, and vulnerability and then knowing where and how to report it is an important step to preventing further injury.

Cardiovascular System Review for Health Care Professionals

The cardiovascular system is vital to the health and well being of all people. The heart and blood vessels that make up the cardiovascular system deliver blood and other material within the body. Even though treatment for cardiovascular disease has improved over the years, it is still the number one cause of death in the United States. This course will help you better understand the effect of the aging process on the cardiovascular system, as well as your role in the care of older persons with cardiovascular disease.  

Diabetes Overview for Health Care Professionals

An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin action, insulin production or both. Individuals with diabetes, regardless of the type, face serious short-term and long-term complications. This course provides an overview of the different types of the disease as well as symptoms and treatments for each. Complications of the disease will also be discussed.

Hearing for Health Care Professionals

Audition (hearing) is crucial for humans since most of the time we relate to each other through verbal communication. Hearing loss is thought by many to be the most devastating handicap of all, frequently resulting in withdrawal from interactions with society and meaningful people such as family and friends.

HIPAA Regulations: Confidentiality and the Law

The rules have changed. Because of new regulations, every person who works with patients - from front-line bedside workers, to billing clerks and secretaries, to CEOs - will be held to a higher standard of accountability for keeping confidential information private.

More than ever, before it is critical for all health care workers to receive information to reduce the risk and vulnerabilities associated with patient data security and privacy. The rules are significantly more far-reaching than any confidentiality rules to date, covering not only electronic medical records, but also paper records and oral communications. They also require patients' written consent for even routine disclosure of information.

With criminal and civil penalties for improperly using or disclosing medical information, the stakes are high. It is critical that every employee, even those with access to limited patient information, become familiar with confidentiality requirements.

Infection Control for the Professional Clinician

The application of infection control principles and practices is important to mitigate and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. More advanced medical devices and procedures, combined with prolonged survival amidst complex medical conditions further enhance the need for meticulous prevention efforts. This session encompasses a review of various disease processes including common symptoms, and preventive practices associated with individual disease states. Additionally, bioterrorism information and its effect on health care is presented.

Intergenerational Communication for the Professional

We live and work in a diverse world. One aspect of diversity is communicating with people from different generations. In a single day, we may interact with someone who is 80, 60, 35 or 22. Each person is part of a unique generation -- Matures, Baby Boomers, Gen X’s or Gen Y’s – with common experiences that shaped his or her values. Once we understand these attributes, we can appreciate and have better relationships with those we serve.
As caregivers and coworkers, we are more productive and satisfied when we can build bridges, not walls, between generations. This course examines issues and challenges related to intergenerational communications. Ethnicity, immigration and family dynamics are also integrated with widely-accepted research on the behaviors, perceptions and preferences of individuals from four generations. Caregivers will learn tips and techniques for connecting with others so they can be more effective in their roles.

Integumentary System Review for Health Care Professionals

The integumentary (skin) system is an important protective barrier. Disruption of the skin integrity may result in the need for costly (financial, emotional and physical) remedial intervention. This course is designed to review the integumentary system in its normal, healthy state and to examine some of the common health problems associated with a compromised integumentary system. Additionally, treatment protocols for skin problems are identified.

Medicare 101 for Home Care Professionals

Agencies participating in the Medicare Home Health Program need to educate professional staff on how to comply with Medicare’s Conditions of Participation. Additionally, paraprofessional staff should have a general understanding of Medicare requirements related to homebound status, so they can notify their employer of any concerns that may affect Medicare eligibility. Failure to comply with Medicare requirements may result in survey deficiencies, loss of Medicare reimbursement, and penalties with far-reaching consequences. This program is an introductory course for professional staff working with Medicare clients.

Principle of Diabetes Treatment for Healthcare Professionals

Many people have been or will be diagnosed with diabetes. They vary in age, culture and socio-economic background as well as the ability and motivation to treat their diabetes. Just as there are different people with diabetes, there are also different treatment options for the disease which range from simple to complex. Diabetes treatment focuses on “individualization,” requiring healthcare professionals to balance the complexity of diabetes care, individual values, preferences, and capabilities with the avoidance of harm. This course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with knowledge of current treatment options for each type of diabetes. Insulin, insulin administration methods and oral agent options will be explored. Strategies for preventing and treating complications associated with diabetes will also be discussed.

Respiratory System Review for Health Care Professionals

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, we breathe nearly 25,000 times and inhale more than 10,000 liters of air during a normal day.* The importance of a properly functioning respiratory system is apparent. So also is the need to recognize atypical functioning of the respiratory system. This course is designed to inform the professional caregiver of the normal and abnormal symptoms and diseases associated with the respiratory system. Methods of treatment are discussed, and specific medications are outlined for the professional clinician.
*The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Vision for Health Care Professionals

In this course, you will gain a better understanding of the problems that affect vision, as well as learn things you can do to provide good care to persons with vision problems.