Management of Agitation

DESCRIPTION

This online course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the management of agitation, with a particular focus on the role of delirium, acquired brain injury (ABI), and dementia. Each of the four modules offers in-depth insight into key aspects of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options, using evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines.

Module 1: Ruling Out Delirium as the Cause for Agitation
This module introduces the first critical step in managing agitation: differentiating delirium from other potential causes. Learners will explore the prevalence of delirium, the characteristic phenotype of a delirious patient, and practical bedside tests for assessing inattention (the hallmark of delirium). The module covers the various types of delirium and discusses how it can often masquerade as other psychiatric pathologies. The Delirium Rating Scale-Revised – 98 (DRS-R-98) will be introduced as a tool for assessing severity and making informed decisions.

Module 2: Acquired Brain Injury and Antipsychotic Medications
In this module, participants will learn about the management of agitation in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). The pharmacological approach focuses on the appropriate use of antipsychotics, including both first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) options. Specific medications like Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), and Quetiapine (Seroquel) will be discussed, with a focus on their receptor profiles. Practical guidelines will be provided for prescribing antipsychotic medications both during and after the acute phase of ABI management.

Module 3: Understanding Memory and Dementia
This module delves into the pathophysiology of different types of dementia and their impact on memory. Participants will learn to distinguish between cortical dementias (such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Pick’s disease) and subcortical dementias (including vascular dementia and Huntington's disease). The aim is to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support appropriate interventions based on the type of dementia present.

Module 4: Intellectual Developmental Disorders
Focusing on intellectual developmental disorders (IDD), this module covers the key characteristics, challenges, and approaches to intervention. Learners will gain an understanding of the spectrum of IDD and the need for graded, individualized interventions based on the patient’s abilities and needs.

Application and Case Studies
The course concludes with summary worksheets and a set of 12 clinically relevant case-based questions, allowing learners to apply knowledge from the modules to real-world scenarios. These exercises are designed to enhance understanding and reinforce key concepts through active learning.

Upon completion, healthcare professionals will have a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of agitation in patients with neurological and psychiatric conditions, as well as the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies necessary for effective management.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is intended for hospitalists or any provider interested in managing patient agitation. 

 

OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, the learner will demonstrate the ability to:

• Recognize patients at high risk for agitation
• Recognize early signs / symptoms of agitation
• Prevent agitation by instituting specific measures
• De-escalate problematic situations and use appropriate staff when necessary
• Use medications properly when behavioral measures are insufficient

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

 

CME Available: 10/01/2024 - 10/20/2026 (58095)

 

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

The Johns Hopkins University has approved this activity for 1 contact hour for non-physicians. 

 

POLICY ON PRESENTER AND PROVIDER DISCLOSURE

It is the policy of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine that the presenter and provider globally disclose conflicts of interest. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine OCME has established policies in place to identify and mitigate relevant conflicts of interest prior to this educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to presentation of the education.

 

 

 

REGISTRATION

Learners must register and submit full payment prior to the start of the activity. The registration fee includes access to the online modules. You will receive a confirmation by email from Instructure. If you have not received it within 24 hours of registering, email the Office of Online Education to confirm that you are registered.

The Johns Hopkins University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any activity due to unforeseen circumstances. In this event, the University will refund the registration fee. Under such circumstances registrants will be notified as soon as possible.

 

REFUND POLICY

Refunds will only be issued learners who have not yet accessed the online content.

 

SYLLABUS

The syllabus will be accessible online and via your mobile device in the CloudCME App prior to the activity. 

 

HOW TO OBTAIN CREDIT

Post activity, an online evaluation will be available to attendees to evaluate the activity and individual presentations and to identify future educational needs. Upon completion of the evaluation, the learner must attest to the number of hours in attendance. Credits earned will be added to the learner’s transcript and immediately available for print. 

 

CERTIFICATE

After successfully completing the program, learners will receive a certificate of completion from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. While not conveying academic credit, it will document the learner’s competency in the knowledge and skills delivered in the program and successful completion of course requirements.

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof.  Please notify us if you have any special needs.

 

COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved - The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. No part of this program may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Email the Office of CME