Chapter 14 Lifelong Learning

Importance of Lifelong Learning All purposeful learning activities that take place throughout our lives Both formal and informal Graduation End of formal training But beginning of lifelong learning

Importance of Lifelong Learning Knowledge quickly becomes outdated Necessary to keep up with changes in job to remain competent

Changes that Affect Health Care Growing number of older adults Increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease Shorter hospital stays Increased cultural diversity Interest in complementary medicine Insurance changes and complexities Emphasis on wellness

Question True or False: Most health care professionals will need to continually learn over the span of their careers.

Answer True Most health care occupations must adapt as technology advances and society changes

Changes that Affect Health Care Computerization Increased use of electronic health records Spread of viruses Increased drug-resistant bacteria Expansion of roles for health care professionals Increased specialization

Changes that Affect Health Care Sophisticated equipment New discoveries about human body New diagnostics and treatments Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Question The health care system is affected by demographic changes, which include: The appearance of new viruses New medical discoveries The number of individuals in various age groups

Answer C. The number of individuals in various age groups Demographics Populations and groups of people within them

Question The population group which will comprise the largest number of patients in the near future is: Children Young adults Older adults

Answer C. Older adults Older adults will make up largest number of patients Size of this group growing People tend to develop more health problems as they age

Question Standard precautions were developed in response to: The spread of blood-borne viruses On-the-job accidents in health care facilities Concerns about patient confidentiality

Answer A. The spread of blood-borne viruses Standard precautions Developed to decrease spread of infectious diseases

CEUs Credits for learning after graduation Also known as continuing professional education (CPE) Many occupations require specific number before re-licensure or recertification

CEUs Organization requiring CEUs determines type and number accepted Check before doing work to earn CEUs

Ways to Earn CEUs Special sessions or workshops Home study or study packets Distance education classes Online study courses Traditional classroom courses

Question True or False: Most professional organizations only accept continuing education units earned from their own classes, materials, and conference workshops.

Answer False Most professional organizations accept units from variety of sources Which they have pre approved

Criteria for Choosing CEU Courses and Materials Recommendations from professional organization Requirements of current job Future career goals Reputation of educational provider

Criteria for Choosing CEU Courses and Materials Areas of personal and/or professional weakness that need improvement Personal and/or professional interests

Self-Directed Learning Activities planned and created to increase own knowledge and skills Observe others Ask questions Read books and journal articles Study in small groups Study with a partner or mentor

Self-Directed Learning Activities planned and created to increase own knowledge and skills Attend professional conferences and meetings Watch videos, DVDs, or educational television programs Explore topics on Internet Choose reliable websites