1. Chapter 14
Lifelong Learning

2. 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

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Knowledge quickly becomes outdated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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. 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

23. 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