Interactive Approach by Pharmacy Students to Educate Older Adults on the Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Medications
Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a pharmacy student-led interactive educational program for older adults on the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Methods: This was a prospective, interventional study evaluating an educational program covering 12 common OTC topics. Doctor of pharmacy students and a geriatric specialist faculty advisor developed and delivered a 30-minute presentation tailored to older adults, accompanied by various interactive learning methods, including a question and answer session. Following the program, participants completed a questionnaire to address the helpfulness and report intentions of behavior change.
Results: A total of 88 individuals attended the presentations, and 64 participants voluntarily completed the anonymous post-program survey; 91.8% of the participants indicated the intervention was either “very helpful” or “moderately helpful.” The majority of subjects stated they would make changes to the way they use OTCs (79.3%) and discuss OTC use with their providers (88.3%). The three most beneficial topics included vitamins/minerals, reading a drug label, and sleep medications.
Conclusion: An interactive educational program on the safe use of OTC medications was helpful and generated positive intentions regarding behavior change in OTC use among older adults.
Methods: This was a prospective, interventional study evaluating an educational program covering 12 common OTC topics. Doctor of pharmacy students and a geriatric specialist faculty advisor developed and delivered a 30-minute presentation tailored to older adults, accompanied by various interactive learning methods, including a question and answer session. Following the program, participants completed a questionnaire to address the helpfulness and report intentions of behavior change.
Results: A total of 88 individuals attended the presentations, and 64 participants voluntarily completed the anonymous post-program survey; 91.8% of the participants indicated the intervention was either “very helpful” or “moderately helpful.” The majority of subjects stated they would make changes to the way they use OTCs (79.3%) and discuss OTC use with their providers (88.3%). The three most beneficial topics included vitamins/minerals, reading a drug label, and sleep medications.
Conclusion: An interactive educational program on the safe use of OTC medications was helpful and generated positive intentions regarding behavior change in OTC use among older adults.
Keywords: Aged; Education; Elderly; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; Nonprescription drugs; OTC = Over-the-counter; Over-the-counter; Pharmacy student; Supplements; Vitamins
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 March 2013
- The Consultant Pharmacist® is the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. It is dedicated exclusively to the medication needs of the elderly in all settings, including adult day care, ambulatory care, assisted living, community, hospice, and nursing facilities. This award-winning journal is a member benefit of ASCP. Individuals who are not members and wish to receive The Consultant Pharmacist® will want to consider joining ASCP.
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