PATCH Match Goals and Learning Objectives

Overarching goals

After completing all of PATCH Match, learners should recognize that visiting frail older adults in their homes provides a more comprehensive understanding of the patient, and palliative care can be delivered effectively.

Learning objectives per PATCH Match patient scenario

After completing the “PATIENT WITH DEMENTIA AND PAIN,” learners should be able to:

1. Recognize atypical ways in which pain may present in patients with advanced dementia
2. Assess pain in patients with advanced dementia
3. Identify options for pain treatment in patients with advanced dementia
4. Discuss the caregivers’ role in caring for patients with advanced dementia and pain

After completing the “PATIENT WITH DEMENTIA AND AGITATION,” learners should be able to:

1. Recognize that agitation can be a symptom of emotional or physical distress in patients with advanced dementia
2. Explain how the environment can have a positive or negative effect on agitated patients with dementia
3. Describe behavioral and communication strategies for managing agitation in patients with dementia

After completing “FALLS,” learners should be able to:

1. Report common causes of falls at home
2. Name components of a falls risk assessment
3. Recognize that most falls are the result of multi-factorial causes
4. Explain how medications may contribute significantly to falls
5. Identify strategies for falls prevention that maximize patients’ function and minimize injury

After completing “TRANSITIONS OF CARE,” learners should be able to:

1. Recognize problems that occur in the transition from hospital discharge to home relating to medication use and communication about hospital care and follow up
2. Explain the teach-back method of communicating with patients and families
3. Discuss how a multi-disciplinary team and social support system may be engaged during transitions from hospital to home