News Release

AGS seeks progress at 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting

The American Geriatrics Society presents highlights from AGS16, including more than 100 events for more than 2,000 geriatrics experts

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Geriatrics Society

American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Annual Scientific Meeting

image: The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational event in geriatrics, providing the latest information on clinical care, research on aging, and innovative models of care delivery. More than 2,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and others will convene May 19-21, 2016 (pre-conference program on May 18), at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, Calif., to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art educational sessions and research presentations. For more information, visit americangeriatrics.org/annual_meeting. view more 

Credit: (C) 2016, American Geriatrics Society & Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

"Eureka," the state motto for California, comes from the Greek word for "I have found it." There seems to be something in the mythology of California attuned to seeking and finding--a fitting spirit for the site of the upcoming American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Annual Scientific Meeting (AGS16), held this year in Long Beach, Calif., May 19-21.

More than 2,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and others will convene at AGS16 to expand engagement and expertise in clinical practice, education, health policy, and research. Noteworthy focal points for the 2016 gathering include:

  • Medication targets and evidence-based approaches to de-prescribing in older adults with cognitive impairment (May 19, 1-2:30 p.m.): This symposium will review current knowledge on de-prescribing medications with adverse cognitive effects. Participants will assess system-based and personalized interventions and identify opportunities for future research on improving medication use among older adults.

  • Communication strategies to improve interprofessional team functioning (May 19, 2:45-4:15 p.m.): Building geriatrics expertise means ensuring that more physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, and other care providers not only understand principles of high-quality care but also how to work together to achieve such a goal. This workshop will explore challenges, successes, and opportunities for improved communication and teamwork among a diverse array of professionals working in the classroom and inpatient setting.

  • Breaking down poor cardiovascular outcomes in the skilled nursing facility setting: Understanding the root causes and targets for intervention (May 20, 7:30-9 a.m.): This program explores key contributing factors to increased mortality and high hospital readmission rates for older adults with cardiovascular disease admitted to skilled nursing facilities. Participants will learn to recognize the distinct complexities of working with this unique group of older individuals, with an eye toward strategies and practices to improve outcomes and readmission rates.

  • This was the year that will be: Bench research findings of 2015 that will be at the bedside by 2020 (May 20, 1-2:30 p.m.): This symposium will focus on basic science and translational studies from 2015 that will impact clinical care in the next five years. Interprofessional geriatrics colleagues will discuss the application of today's bench research to tomorrow's bedside care across musculoskeletal science, cardiovascular care, immunity, and the genitourinary system.

  • Shedding new light on clinical conundrums for osteoporosis screening and therapy (May 20, 2:45-4:15 p.m.): Who should be screened for osteoporosis? What are appropriate follow-ups? What agents should be used to treat older adults and how long should those agents be continued? This session will address why fractures from osteoporosis place patients at risk for further fractures, and why and how these fractures are so devastating to functional ability. It also will highlight tips and recommendations across the clinical continuum, from diagnosis to treatment.

  • How to operationalize person-centered care: See the person, not the patient (May 20, 4:30-6 p.m.): A standardized definition of person-centered care can provide a needed, consistent point of reference for care, quality measures, research, and policy. With support from The SCAN Foundation, the AGS and a research team at the University of Southern California worked with an interprofessional expert panel to develop a definition of person-centered care. This session presents that definition, the research behind it, and ways to operationalize person-centered care working with interprofessional teams.

  • Geriatrics literature update 2016 (May 21, 9:15-10:45 a.m.): The Geriatric Literature Update is one of the most popular sessions at every AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Expert presenters will discuss the year's most important published papers across areas where new strong evidence has been uncovered that should affect geriatrics practice in the years to come.

  • Emerging models of care and payment for better health outcomes in older adults (May 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): This late-breaking symposium on innovations in health policy and practice will focus on identifying new models of care. Geriatrics healthcare professionals will explore initiatives like the CMS Innovation Center's Independence at Home (IAH) Demonstration, as well as other efforts to reduce avoidable hospitalizations among nursing facility residents and integrate community-based organizations and healthcare systems.

  • Use of antihypertensive medication and falls: Past, present, and future (May 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): Deciding on the use of antihypertensive therapy is a common event for most healthcare professionals. Attendees at this AGS16 session will leave with practical knowledge and tools to provide optimal and safe hypertension care to older adults.

  • Pharmacotherapy update: 2016 (May 21, 12:45-2:15 p.m.): This popular symposium summarizes changes over the past year in pharmacotherapy (or therapy using pharmaceuticals). Speakers will examine new information on current medications commonly used by older adults and newly approved medications that may be prescribed moving forward. Attendees will learn to compare potential advantages and disadvantages of incorporating new medications into clinical practice and how to discuss the benefits and risks of recently approved options based on new evidence.

With the population of Americans 65-years-old and older expected to crest 70 million by 2030, providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare now and in the future will be imperative. AGS16 stands at the crossroads between a growing demand for expert health professionals and the need for innovation supporting the health, safety, and independence of older adults across the U.S. and around the world. More information on the AGS16 program and registration (free to members of the media) is available at AmericanGeriatrics.org/Annual_Meeting.

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About the American Geriatrics Society

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit americangeriatrics.org.

About the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting

The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational event in geriatrics, providing the latest information on clinical care, research on aging, and innovative models of care delivery. More than 2,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and others will convene May 19-21, 2016 (pre-conference program on May 18), at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, Calif., to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art educational sessions and research presentations. For more information, visit americangeriatrics.org/annual_meeting.


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