Recognizing common adverse drug effects and what a non-prescriber can do about them (November 7, 2023)

Presented by: Dr. Tom Perry, MD, FRCPC and Beverley Wasmund

Occupational therapists often assess and support people who are taking multiple drugs, therefore may wonder whether some of their clients are impaired by prescription (or other) drug therapy. What can occupational therapists do if they wonder whether impaired thinking, memory, balance or coordination, tremor, postural hypotension, or unusual behaviour may be due to a drug, and potentially reversible? This webinar will enhance the appreciation of occupational therapists that every health professional and family member or friend of a client shares some responsibility for prescription drug therapy, even if they do not originate or control it. The adverse effects of dopamine antagonists and anticholinergic drugs will be described. This webinar will discuss techniques for simple assessments that assist in identifying whether the client is experiencing an adverse effect. Ways to communicate concerns effectively, and to assume professional and ethical responsibility to protect a client, will be shared.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize when impaired facial expression or mobility may be caused by a drug.
2. Recognize when impaired visual accommodation (ability to change focus), speech articulation, constipation or bladder emptying may be caused by a drug.
3. Recognize when "dizziness" or "lightheadedness" or inability to arise from supine or seated posture may be caused by a drug.
4. Communicate concerns regarding adverse drug effects effectively.

Level  Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Area of practice Acute Care, Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Autism/Neurodiversity, Brain injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord,Cardio-Respiratory Care, Caregiver/Family Education, Case Management, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Dementia, Developmental Disability, Dysphagia & Digestive Disorders, Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation, Education & Fieldwork, Equity & Justice, Ergonomics, Forensic Mental Health, Generalist 

Client age group Young children (0-4 years old), Children (5-12 years old), Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)