Course Outline
Course Outline
http://nursing.ucalgary.ca/
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Graduate Certificate Laddered Pathway
to Master of Nursing Program
COURSE OUTLINE
WINTER 2024
NURS 604
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Contemporary Topics in Aging
Course 2 of 4
Information published in this Course Outline is governed by rules and regulations of both the Faculty of
Nursing and the University of Calgary. If there is any inconsistency or conflict between the Course Outline
content and the general academic regulations and policies, the regulations and policies in the University
Calendar will prevail. The ‘online’ calendar is the official University Calendar.
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Course Title (*) Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Course Number (*) NURS 604
Pre-Requisites (*) NURS 602
If applicable
Faculty / Department Faculty of Nursing
Instructor Name (*) Kimberly Shapkin Email (*) [email protected]
Email Response Practice: Usually within 48 hours Phone 403-971-2944
on business days
Office Location & hours PF 3222, Virtual by appointment
Instructor Name (*) Dr. Karen Then Email (*) [email protected]
Email Response Practice: Usually within 48 hours Phone 403-850-9750
on business days
Office Location & hours PF 3240, Virtual by appointment
Class Dates (*) Asynchronous:
January 8, 2023-April 9, 2024
Synchronous:
January 20, 2024 1000-1500 (MST)
February 15, 2024 1800-1930 (MST)
March 7, 2024 1800-1930 (MST)
March 28, 2024 1800-1930 (MST)
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* LEARNING RESOURCES
COURSE MATERIALS
The John Hartford Foundation. (2019). Handbook of Geriatric Assessment, (5th Edith). Fulmer, T. & Chernoff, M.
(Eds.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
*Required Readings, Textbooks, and Learning Materials (available at the UCalgary Bookstore)
For assistance with understanding APA formatting refer to the UCalgary website
TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
A shell in D2L is set up for this course where refereed journals will be posted to be used in group presentations,
online discussions, and assignment submission purposes.
To successfully engage in learning experiences at the University of Calgary, students taking online, remote and
blended courses are required to have reliable access to the following technology:
• A computer with a supported operating system, as well as the latest security, and malware updates.
• A current and updated web browser.
• Webcam (built-in or external).
• Microphone and speaker (built-in or external), or headset with microphone.
• Current antivirus and/or firewall software enabled.
• Broadband internet connection.
Most current laptops will have a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone.
All University related communications require the use of your ucalgary.ca email address.
1. Explain your understanding of a comprehensive geriatric assessment and be able to articulate ways that it
can be utilized to enhance the well-being of older adults.
2. Explain how aging body impacts various health conditions.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical judgements to assess and evaluate arising health concerns that
may affect an individual and their family.
4. Critically evaluate and reflect on your practice to enhance awareness of practice development
opportunities.
5. Apply and critically evaluate the Geriatric 5M Framework (Tinetti, Molnar & Haung. 2017) assessment
model for use in your practice setting.
While many older adults live productive and healthy lives, there are some health changes that occur due to
physical, social and environmental changes over time. For older adults, these health issues may develop and
cumulate in different combinations of diseases, health conditions, disabilities, and social changes. Health care
professionals working with older adults play an important role in helping older adults manage and maintain
health within these often complex and changing parameters. This course will introduce the principles of a
comprehensive geriatric assessment and is based on the Geriatric 5M Framework assessment model (Tinetti, 3
Molnar & Haung. 2017).
This course is the second of four courses in the laddered graduate certificate, Contemporary Issues in Aging.
Course content is delivered through six on-line learning modules.
*ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
Aligned Course
Assessment Description Weight Learning Outcome
Method
Evidence Critique Assignment 1 2-5
and Evidence For this assessment item, you will work with a small
Summary group to develop a question that is relevant to your
practice area within a specific domain. This will be
completed during first synchronous session. The
domains include:
Functional or mobility changes (Mobility)
Cognition changes (Mind)
Polypharmacy (Medications)
Frailty (Multi-complexity)
Advanced care planning (Matters Most)
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Assignment 1B: Part 2
For the second part of this assessment item, you will 15%
work with your group to summarize the evidence from
the studies that each group member appraised
individually. This paper will:
1. provide background to the clinical problem
preceding the question
2. provide a brief overview of the type of
research reviewed and discuss the quality of
studies that were critiqued.
3. provide a summary of the relevant evidence
from the chosen papers
4. discuss how the identified evidence may or
may not be applied in the clinical area.
This paper is a maximum of 5 pages double spaced,
excluding references, title page, and appendices. A
group mark will be assigned.
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Reflective paper Assignment 3: 15% 1, 3, 4
Lastly, you will provide a short reflective narrative
(maximum 2 pages) discussing your learning from the
case study assignment.
Four (4) Complete the graded on-line activities provided on 5% Each 1-3
On-line Activities D2L. There are 4 activities to complete that are
delivered in an electronic format including case Total=
20%
studies, multiple choice and short answer questions.
You have two (2) attempts to complete each quiz.
* EXPECTATIONS FOR WRITING ***All papers are to adhere to APA (7th edition)
Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will
be assessed at least partly on writing skills. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar,
punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) but also general clarity and organization. Sources used in research
papers must be properly documented. If you need help with your writing, you may use the writing support
services in the Learning Commons. For assistance with understanding APA formatting refer to the UCalgary
website.
For further information, please refer to the official online University of Calgary Calendar, Academic
Regulations, Course Information, Writing Across the Curriculum.
* LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Unless discussed and agreed to previously with your course instructor, Assignments submitted after deadlines
may be penalized with the loss of a mark deducted for all late assignments at a rate of 10% per day, (includes
weekends).
* CONDUCT
Students, employees, and academic staff are expected to demonstrate behaviour in class that promotes6 and
maintains a positive and productive learning environment. As members of the University community, students,
employees, and academic staff are expected to demonstrate conduct that is consistent with the University of
Calgary Calendar, the Code of Conduct and Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy and procedures.
* PROGRAM EVALUATION
The Faculty of Nursing has accountability and reporting obligations to ensure excellence in teaching and
learning. The Faculty of Nursing is accountable to the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the
Nursing Education Program Approval Board (NEPAC), the University of Calgary, and students. The faculty
engages in two levels of program evaluation: at the University level and at the faculty level to fulfil reporting
obligations to CASN and NEPAB. Faculty program evaluation activities inform reviews and accreditation
processes from CASN and NEPAB. Although all program evaluation-related surveys are voluntary, students are
strongly encouraged to complete evaluation surveys to support quality assurance of Faculty of Nursing
programs.
Individual course instructors may also choose to conduct simple feedback processes during the course to assess
specific aspects of their course and course instruction.
The use of laptop and mobile devices is acceptable when used in a manner appropriate to the course and
classroom activities. Students are to refrain from accessing websites that may be distracting for fellow learners
(e.g. personal emails, Facebook, YouTube).
Students are responsible for being aware of the University’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and Information
Policy.
All University related communications require the use of your ucalgary.ca email address.
The use of video conferencing programs relies on participants to act ethically, honestly and with integrity; and
in accordance with the principles of fairness, good faith, and respect (as per the Code of Conduct). When
entering Zoom or other video conferencing sessions (such as MS Teams), you play a role in helping create an
effective, safe and respectful learning environment. Please be mindful of how your behaviour in these sessions
may affect others. Participants are required to use names officially associated with their UCID (legal or
preferred names listed in the Student Centre) when engaging in these activities. Instructors/moderators can
remove those whose names do not appear on class rosters. Non-compliance may be investigated under
relevant University of Calgary conduct policies (e.g. Student Non-Academic Misconduct Policy). If participants
have difficulties complying with this requirement, they should email the instructor of the class explaining
why, so the instructor may consider whether to grant an exception, and on what terms. For more information
on how to get the most out of your zoom sessions review the Zoom guidelines.
If you are unable to attend a Zoom session, please contact your instructor to arrange an alternative activity for
the missed session (e.g., to review a recorded session). Please be prepared, as best as you are able, to join class
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in a quiet space that will allow you to be fully present and engaged in Zoom sessions. Students will be advised
by their instructor when they are expected to turn on their webcam (for group work, presentations, etc.). The
instructor may record online Zoom class sessions for the purposes of supporting student learning in this class –
such as making the recording available for review of the session or for students who miss a session. Students
will be advised before the instructor initiates a recording of a Zoom session. These recordings will be used to
support student learning only and will not be shared or used for any other purpose.
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WEEK Format TOPIC READINGS & LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose (1) one Chapter below that most relates to your practice
Handbook of Geriatric Assessment
1. Chapter 34: Assessment of Older Adults in their Home. p.
349-364
2. Chapter 37: Geriatric Assessment in Nursing Home. p.384-
416.
3. Chapter 38: Emergency Department Assessment at the time
of Hospitalization. p. 401-412.
Oh, E. S., Fong, T. G., Hshieh, T. T., & Inouye, S. K. (2017). Delirium in
Older Persons: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment. JAMA : The
Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(12), 1161–1174.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.12067
Optional:
Lamahewa, K., Mathew, R., Iliffe, S., Wilcock, J., Manthorpe, J.,
Sampson, E., & Davies, N. (2018). A qualitative study exploring
the difficulties influencing decision making at the end of life for
people with dementia. Health Expectations, 21(1), 118-
127.https://www-sciencedirect-
com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/science/article/pii/S0140673617313
636
Patrizio, E., Calvani, R., Marzetti, E., & Cesari, M. (2021). Physical
Functional Assessment in Older Adults. The Journal of Frailty &
Aging, 10(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2020.61
Griffith, L. E., Gruneir, A., Fisher, K., Panjwani, D., Gafni, A., Patterson,
C., Markle-Reid, M., & Ploeg, J. (2019). Insights on multimorbidity and
associated health service use and costs from three population-based
studies of older adults in Ontario with diabetes, dementia and stroke.
Multi-complexity module BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 313–313.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4149-3
Ranzini, L., Schiavi, M., Pierobon, A., Granata, N., & Giardini, A.
(2020). From Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Dementia in
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Implications for Clinical
Practice and Disease Management: A Mini-Review. Front Psychol, 11,
337. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00337
Optional:
Hill-Taylor et al. (2013). Application of the STOPP/START criteria:
A systematic review of the prevalence of potentially inappropriate
prescribing in older adults, and evidence of clinical, humanistic
and economic impact. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and
Therapeutics, 38, 360-372. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12059
FACULTY OF NURSING - GRADUATE PROGRAMS - GRADING SCALE
If the The The Description
cumulative equivalent grade point **The final percentage calculation will be
percentage letter grade value is1:
Converted to a letter grade.
calculation for is:
the course is:
98.0 – 100 A+ 4.0 Outstanding Performance
Elegant exposition of publication quality work that would make a significant, scholarly
contribution to the area of investigation.
93.0 – 97.9 A 4.0 Excellent Performance - Superior performance showing comprehensive understanding of
the subject matter.
Exceptional performance that goes beyond the specified requirements of the assignment,
and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter that includes the
ability to critically assess and creatively apply knowledge to new situations.
88.0 – 92.9 A- 3.7 Very Good Performance
Clarity of thought and expression that reveals the rich meaning of and complex relationship
between assumptions, ideas and actions, and includes a critical examination of the topic.
Relevant reference material has been correctly documented and effectively integrated into a
well-developed line of thought.
83.5 – 87.9 B+ 3.3 Good Performance
Subject matter is generally understood at the literal level. Wide reading, critical questioning
and creative insights may be absent. Prose style reveals a clear, logical, concise and coherent
expression of ideas. Work displays conventional grammar, punctuation and spelling, with a
minimum of errors.
78.0 – 83.4 B 3.0 Satisfactory Performance
Note: The grade point value (3.0) associated with this grade is the minimum acceptable
average that a graduate student must maintain throughout the program as computed at the
end of each registration anniversary year of the program.
Subject matter is generally understood, but the work displays minimum scholarship. Some
gaps in knowledge and inconsistencies in thinking may be evident. Lapses in clarity of
expression and the development of a clear line of thought might be evident. Work may
display consistent errors in conventional form and require heavy editing on the part of the
instructor.
73.5 – 77.9 B- 2.7 Minimum pass for students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Work submitted at this level lacks understanding, absence of clarity of expression or
insufficient command of conventional form such that content cannot be effectively conveyed.
69.0 – 73.4 C+ 2.3 All grades below B- are indicative of failure at the graduate level and cannot be counted
toward Faculty of Graduate Studies course requirements. A student who receives a grade of F
will normally be required to withdraw unless the program recommends otherwise.
63.5 – 68.9 C 2.0
59.0 – 63.4 C- 1.7
54.5 – 58.9 D+ 1.3
50.0 – 54.4 D 1.0
49.9 or less F 0
I 0 Incomplete. Sufficient work has not been submitted for evaluation, unable to adequately
assess. May also be used when a final exam is not submitted.
CR 0 Complete Requirements. Carries no weight in calculating the grade point average. This will be
noted in the calendar description as “Not Included in GPA” where applicable.
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As per University of Calgary Faculty of Graduate Studies Grading System.
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* UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY POLICES AND SUPPORTS
* ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION
Students seeking an accommodation based on disability or medical concerns should contact Student
Accessibility Services; SAS will process the request and issue letters of accommodation to instructors. For
additional information on support services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Students who require an accommodation in relation to their coursework based on a protected ground
other than disability should communicate this need in writing to their Instructor.
The full policy on Student Accommodations.
* ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
For information on Student Integrity and Conduct, please review the UCalgary Calendar.
*More specifically, the Faculty of Nursing is responsible for determining grade penalties for assignments where
misconduct is identified. These penalties may include a failing grade on the paper/assignment through to a failing
grade in the course. The Faculty of Graduate Studies is responsible for determining further disciplinary action.
*Rev.2021
* COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION
All students are required to read the University of Calgary’s policy on Acceptable Use of Material Protected
by Copyright and the requirements of the copyright act to ensure they are aware of the consequences of
unauthorised sharing of course materials (including instructor notes, electronic versions of textbooks etc.).
Students who use material protected by copyright in violation of this policy may be disciplined, under the
Non-Academic Misconduct Policy.
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* TAYLOR FAMILY DIGITAL LIBRARY RESOURCES
* SAFEWALK
Campus security will escort individuals, day or night, anywhere on campus (including McMahon Stadium,
Health Sciences Centre, Student Family Housing, Alberta Children's Hospital and University LRT station).
Call 403-220-5333 or visit the Safewalk website for more information.
Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone, located at most parking lot pay booths.
Please ensure your personal safety by taking advantage of this service.
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