Migraine Headaches

(Internet--ongoing) Describes the migraine headache and its symptoms, its newly discovered linkage to genes, its triggers, acute and preventive treatments, and rescue medications, as well as lifestyle and alternative approaches to treatment. *AOTA approved provider.

Elders and Their Care

(Internet--ongoing) An overview of the effects of aging and appropriate responses to the issues arising from advancing age. *AOTA approved provider.

Wound Assessment

(Internet--ongoing) Covers the five steps of assessment: patient’s health status, risk factors, adjacent and periwound skin, wound attributes, and classification by etiology. Risk assessment tools, re-assessment, and a case study conclude the course. *AOTA approved provider.

Stroke: Acute Care and Rehabilitation

(Internet--ongoing) Presents major types of stroke and risk factors. Provides a review of brain anatomy and deficits associated with various types of stroke and describes treatment regimens, prehospital, and ED treatment. Rehabilitation following acute stroke is discussed in detail. Recent advances in stroke management are tied to clinical practice. *AOTA approved provider.

Asthma: A Case Study Approach

(Internet--ongoing) Clinical characteristics of asthma and related airway inflammation, plus the host and environmental factors that contribute to asthma, as well as medication management and the client education essential to optimal results. *AOTA approved provider.

Depression: Gender Matters

(Internet--ongoing) This course looks at the nature of depression and how it relates to gender. Discusses sex bias in diagnosis and gender differences in suicide rates. Introduces irritable male syndrome and its causes. Presents an instrument for assessing male depression, the Diamond Male Depression Scale, and explains its development and use. *AOTA approved provider.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

(Internet--ongoing) This purpose of this course is to provide direct-care staff in nursing homes, hospice, and adult daycare with the skills, techniques, and strategies to care for residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia on a daily basis. It includes activities that allow participants to practice the skills and strategies they have learned. *AOTA approved provider.

Pain and Its Management

(Internet--ongoing) The prevalence of pain led the Joint Commission to spell out regulations for pain management in U.S. healthcare. Thorough review of acute vs. chronic pain, physiology of pain, common source, effective tools for assessment. Continues with the role of opioids, the psychosocial aspects of pain management, and nondrug treatment of pain. Concludes with pain in special populations. *AOTA approved provider.

Sepsis

(Internet--ongoing) A clear look at the growing problem of sepsis, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. The course addresses proactive efforts to stem the tide of sepsis in our healthcare system. *AOTA approved provider.

End of Life Care

(Internet--ongoing) Reviews end of life issues including the Patient Self-Determination Act, advance care planning, palliative and hospice care, and special needs of children. Looks at treatment options for those at the end of life and support measures for those experiencing bereavement, mourning, and grief. *AOTA approved provider.

New York: Infection Control and Prevention

(Internet--ongoing) Infection control training for all NY healthcare professionals, including responsibility for adhering to accepted principles and monitoring the performance of all for whom one is responsible. Reviews the mechanisms of transmission along with strategies of prevention and control. Coverage of controls, PPE, and practices to protect both workers and healthcare settings. *AOTA approved provider. **Approved by the NY State Education Dept and the New York State Dept of Health.

Iowa: Child Abuse, A Guide for Mandatory Reporters

(Internet--ongoing) Identifies mandatory reporters of child abuse in Iowa and summarizes the procedures for making such a report. Defines child abuse under Iowa law and reviews in detail the procedures of the Iowa Department of Health Services (DHS). This course has been approved by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and is an approved abuse education curriculum to be used as a training tool for Child Abuse mandatory reporter training. IDPH approval #2907. *AOTA approved provider.

Iowa: Abuse of Dependent Adults

(Internet--ongoing) A thorough review of adult dependent abuse, including definitions, characteristics of victims and perpetrators, and reasons for abuse. Identifies indicators of adult abuse and summarizes reportable criteria for mandated reporting. Outlines the process for evaluating reported abuse, interventions available to abused adults, ways to communicate with victims, and measures for preventing adult abuse. Approved by the Iowa Dept of Public Health. *AOTA approved provider.

Kentucky: HIV/AIDS

(Internet--ongoing) Summarizes HIV prevention strategies, clinical evaluation and management of HIV, and management of occupational exposures. Continues with an analysis of HIV laws in Kentucky and attitudes and behaviors towards those infected with HIV. Concludes with Kentucky’s programs for HIV patient care. Approved by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. *AOTA approved provider.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Where We Are

(Internet) A contemporary view of hormone replacement therapy now that time has passed following the reports of the Women’s Health Initiative. Includes a review of the ovarian cycle and the functions of FSH and LH. Presents a detailed report on the findings of the WHI and comments from experts about earlier conclusions. Discusses use of bio-identicals and supplements. Concludes with a summary of the benefits and risks of HRT and notes about what remains to be studied. *AOTA approved provider.

Opioids: Their Use and Abuse

(Internet--ongoing) The pharmacologic properties of opioids including their mechanisms of action, receptor targets, target tissues, agonists and antagonists. Clinical applications including accepted usage, duration of action, and the minimizing of side effects. Finally, a look at overdose deaths from opioid abuse. *AOTA approved provider.

Michigan: Pain and Symptom Management

(Internet--ongoing) Review of Michigan’s pain policies plus Joint Commission regulations for pain management. Covers major categories of pain, common sources, effective assessment, and management in various special populations including children, older adults, and those at the end of life. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, 3 units

(Internet--ongoing) Provides direct-care staff in nursing homes with the skills, techniques, and strategies to care for residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia on a daily basis. It includes activities that allow participants to practice the skills and strategies they have learned. Approved by the Department of Elder Affairs in compliance with 400.1755 FS and rules 58A-4.001 for Nursing Homes. Approval number NHAD 448. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, 1 unit

(Internet--ongoing) Designed to educate and train nursing home staff who have direct contact with residents. This 1-hour training program has been approved by the Department of Elder Affairs and is in compliance with 400.1755 FS and rules 58A-4.001 for Nursing Homes. Approval number NHAD 447. *AOTA approved provider.

Acetaminophen and Liver Injury

(Internet--ongoing) Acetaminophen use and overuse with focus on signs and symptoms of liver injury, including FDA-recommended potencies for various age cohorts and at-risk populations. *AOTA approved provider.

Medication Challenges in Older Adults

(Internet--ongoing) Prevalence of polypharmacy and its risks in elders in light of the physiological changes of aging. Beers criteria for identifying meds inappropriate for older adults. Measures to improve medication management and to enhance compliance. Polypharmacy related to the risk for falls. *AOTA approved provider.

Diabetes: Type 2

(Internet--ongoing) Overview of type 2 diabetes, including underlying physiology, clinical forms, prevalence, causes, and complications. Addresses prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as the normal regulation of blood glucose levels and insulin production/resistance. Explores complex management issues. *AOTA approved provider.

West Virginia: End of Life Care

(Internet--ongoing) Reviews end-of-life issues including the Patient Self-Determination Act, advance care planning, palliative and hospice care, and special needs of children. Looks at treatment options for those at the end of life and support measures for those experiencing bereavement, mourning, and grief. *AOTA approved provider.

Statins: Controlling Cholesterol

(Internet--ongoing) Overview of statins including their mechanisms of action, indications, dosing decisions, side effects, risks in mixing with protease inhibitors, and debate about universal use after age 50. *AOTA approved provider.

Kentucky: Domestic Violence

(Internet--ongoing) The scope of domestic violence includes violence against women, children, and elders. This course describes best practices for screening, assessment, and documenting signs of violence when seen in the healthcare setting. Outlines Kentucky reporting requirements and discusses state programs to reduce incidence. *AOTA approved provider.

Cannabis (Marijuana) for Medical Use

(Internet--ongoing) Reviews the medicinal use of cannabis, introduces the endocannabinoid system, addresses myths, outlines therapeutic indications, and spells out dosages and routes of administration. This course addresses public policy and legal issues as use of medicinal cannabis becomes legal in a growing number of states throughout the United States. *AOTA approved provider.

Influenza! 2012/2013 Season

(Internet--ongoing) Annual review of clinical features, epidemiology, and vaccine schedule and use for prevention and treatment of seasonal influenza. *AOTA approved provider.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

(Internet--ongoing) Clinical and epidemiological aspect of pertussis, including current trends in spread and surveillance in the United States. Details the major issues associated with vaccination in children, adolescents, and adults. *AOTA approved provider.

Balance, Postural Control, and Falls in Older Adults

(Internet--ongoing) Discussion of the scope, morbidity, and mortality related to falls and fall risk in older adults. Strategies for assessing and preventing falls in older adults, with discussion of age-related risk factors including polypharmacy. Description of common screening and assessment tools used to identify fall risk in older adults and suggested interventions are designed to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. *AOTA approved provider.

Bloodborne Pathogen Management

(Internet--ongoing) Review of precautions that address the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. Includes safe handling of sharps, use of PPE, and decontamination of work areas, plus importance of hepatitis B vaccination for workers. *AOTA approved provider.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

(Internet--ongoing) Traces the gradual development of the atherosclerosis that underlies CAD and includes causes, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and complications. Concludes with the components of a cardiac rehabilitation program. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: Domestic Violence

(Internet--ongoing) Describes the scope of domestic violence including violence against women, children, and elders. Describes best practices for screening, assessment, and documenting signs of violence when seen in the healthcare setting. Outlines Florida reporting requirements and discusses state programs to reduce incidence. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: HIV, 1 unit

(Internet--ongoing) This course describes the cause and mechanism of HIV infection and basic components of HIV antibody testing. It discusses modes of transmission and infection control, and describes the evaluation and clinical management of HIV patients. It discusses HIV prevention strategies and describes the main components of the Florida Omnibus AIDS Act. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: HIV, 3 units

(Internet--ongoing) Comprehensive discussion of HIV and AIDS in Florida, including the cause and mechanism of HIV infection, basic components of HIV antibody testing and confirmation, and initial evaluation and clinical management of HIV patients. *AOTA approved provider.

Florida: Medical Errors

(Internet--ongoing) Outlines seven types of medical errors and the Florida laws related to them. Describes factors that increase the risk of committing a medical error and populations that are especially vulnerable to such errors. Presents five commonly used approaches that have been effective in reducing medical errors. *AOTA approved provider.

Infection Control and Prevention

(Internet--ongoing) Hand hygiene is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection. Presents CDC precautions for healthcare-associated infection (HAIs) along with interventions related to each. Discusses the four roles played by the infection control team. *AOTA approved provider.

Nevada: Bioterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction

(Internet--ongoing) Defines terrorism and weapons of mass destruction and summarizes the diseases and agents most commonly used as chemical, biologic, radiologic, and nuclear weapons. Outlines CDC recommendations and best practices and discusses the components and use of the Nevada Health Alert Network (HAN). *AOTA approved provider.

New York: Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect for Mandated

(Internet--ongoing) This course meets the continuing education recommendation for coursework in Child Abuse and Maltreatment for New York healthcare professionals**. Course Summary: Defines child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect, plus mandated reporters and requirements for reporting as defined by New York State. Presents indicators of possible mistreatment, including both physical and behavioral signs. *AOTA approved provider. **Approved by the NY State Education Department.

Oregon: Pain and Its Management

(Internet--ongoing) This course meets the requirement for a 6-unit course in pain and pain management mandated by Oregon’s Senate Bill 885. Course Summary: Outlines efforts of the Oregon Pain Management Commission to improve pain management in the state of Oregon. Strategies include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of pain. Covers ethical and legal issues as well as those of special populations and offers effective tools for assessing and documenting pain. *AOTA approved provider.

Washington: HIV/AIDS, 7 Units

(Internet--ongoing) Addresses the requirement for the 7-unit course on HIV/AIDS for healthcare workers in Washington State. Covers six subject areas: HIV etiology and epidemiology, transmission precautions and infection control, testing and counseling, clinical manifestations and treatment, legal and ethical issues, and psychosocial issues. *AOTA approved provider.