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Evaluation

Scientific Assembly

Track Session

Session: Session 312

Improving Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Older Adult

Monday, April 24, 2023
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM CST
Location: Salon FGH-3rd Floor
CE: 0.25 Credits
Geriatrics Infectious Disease Recorded Session
Disclosure(s):
Michael Pulia, MD PhD FAAEM: No financial relationships to disclose
This session will provide an overview of the unique challenges that arise when evaluating older adults with potential infectious syndromes. This is a critically important topic as older adults are particularly vulnerable to harm related to diagnostic error and inappropriate antibiotic utilization. Using case based scenarios of the three most common infection types (UTI, RTI, SSTI), this session will highlight both current and developing strategies to mitigate diagnostic uncertainty in this frequently encountered clinical dilemma.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify common pitfalls that result in diagnostic error related to infectious diseases in older adults
  • Develop algorithms to improve diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of older adults with common infectious syndromes (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis)
  • Describe why older adults are particularly vulnerable to harm from inappropriate antibiotic utilization