Learning objectives
- To know the most prevalent chronic-degenerative diseases in the adult and older population, their complications and possible clinical course
- To know the pathophysiology, etiopathogenesis and clinical aspects, with some hints of therapy, in regard to the diseases listed in the "full programme" section
- To be able to identify the healthcare needs of patients suffering from chronic-degenerative diseases and of the geriatric patient
- To know the main models of aging and be able to recognize their epidemiological and clinical impact on healthcare systems
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology. Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology, prevention, and health promotion.
Course unit content
The “Internal Medicine” module of the integrated course “Health Promotion and Prevention of Chronic-degenerative diseases” aims to provide students with basic knowledge on the epidemiological, clinical diagnostic and therapeutical characteristics of the main chronic-degenerative diseases most frequently found in the adult and older population: cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases. Healthcare needs and clinical course of patients with chronic diseases will be particularly emphasized for each condition, defining the most frequent complications and outcomes. The module will also include basic concepts of epidemiology and pathophysiology of aging and of the main geriatric syndromes, with a focus on the typical care needs of the geriatric patients.
Full programme
- CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atherosclerotic diseases.
- LUNG DISEASES
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma.
- ENDOCRINE METABOLIC DISEASES
Diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome.
- GERIATRICS
Demography and aging of the population. Clinical and patho-physiological characteristics of aging.
Aging models and trajectories.
Approach to the older patient: medical history, evaluation of physical and cognitive performance, evaluation of the psychosocial context. Comprehensive geriatric assessment. Disability in older patients.
Geriatric syndromes: frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive impariment and dementia, delirium, depression.
Multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older patients.
Clinical conditions frequently found in older patients: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, immobilization syndrome, pressure ulcers, malnutrition, dehydration, syncope, falls.
Organization of geriatric services and care needs of older subjects.
Overview on palliative care and care needs of patients with terminal illness.
Bibliography
Didactic materials provided by teachers.
Rugarli, Medicina Interna Sistematica, Masson editore.
Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi. Manuale di Geriatria. EDRA 2019.
Giovanni Zuliani, Stefano Volpato. Lezioni di Geriatria e Gerontologia. Universitas Studiorum 2016.
Teaching methods
Frontal teaching
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination
Other information
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