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Advance Care Planning for Geriatric Patients (2022)
Course Overview
Supporting decisions at the end of life with advance care planning is an important aspect of patient care for geriatric patients. Explore what an advance care plan is, the importance of having one, and how it is beneficial for the geriatric patient, as well as their family and caregivers.

Explore the following topics related to advance care planning:
  • Key facts about advance care planning and end of life care
  • Advance care planning goals
  • Palliative care vs. hospice
  • Key terms, concepts, and documents used in advance care planning
  • Communication
  • Supporting the development of advance care plans
  • Transitions of care
Course Information
Course Description
Advance care planning is an essential component of patient-centered care, particularly for older adults facing serious or chronic illness. This bundle explores the principles of advance care planning, end-of-life decision-making, palliative care, hospice care, and care transitions. Learners will examine the legal documents, communication strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches that support patients and families in making informed healthcare decisions.

Emphasis is placed on the medical assistant’s role in facilitating conversations, supporting documentation, respecting patient autonomy, and promoting quality of life throughout the continuum of care.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
  • Define advance care planning and describe who it benefits
  • Describe the goals of advance care planning
  • Identify the differences between palliative care and hospice
  • Define key advance care planning terms and concepts.
  • Recognize various documents related to advance care planning.
  • Discuss how an advance care plan is developed
  • Discuss the essential elements of effective communication with patient and family who are developing an advance care plan
  • Describe the transitions of care
  • Trace the steps of the patient journey for developing an advance care plan
  • Describe barriers to developing an advance care plan

What’s Included
eLearning course with milestone practice tests, and a downloadable companion eHandbook and fact sheet
Key Takeaways
  • Describe the purpose and goals of advance care planning.
  • Differentiate between palliative care and hospice care.
  • Identify key advance care planning documents and their purposes.
  • Recognize the medical assistant’s role in supporting end-of-life care discussions.
  • Discuss care transition options available to patients nearing end of life.
  • Apply communication strategies that support patient autonomy and informed decision-making.
Course Contributors
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Developed the educational content and resources focused on advance care planning, end-of-life care, and geriatric patient support.
Intended Audience
This bundle is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and ambulatory care team members who work with older adults and patients with serious illnesses. Learners will gain practical skills to support advance care planning discussions, coordinate care, assist with documentation, and contribute to compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care.
Retake Information
One retake on the exam is allowed.
Join the AAMA and Save!
Join as a member today and save on this course! After joining as member, you will need to close your browser and sign back in to see the discounted price.
Ready to Complete the ABC-G Program?
Want to earn the Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics? 
Learners who’ve passed all four individual courses of the ABC-G Program can request the final exam for the entire ABC-G Program by emailing ContinuingEducation@aama-ntl.org at no additional cost. Requests will be processed in approximately three to five business days. If the learner passes the final exam, they will have earned the Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $50.00
Nonmember: $75.00
CEU Offered:
2 Gen/Adm/Clin CEUs
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