An Interactive Approach to Educate Older Adults on the Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Medications

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to create, implement, and evaluate an interactive educational program for older adults on the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional study in which all subjects received a 40-minute session covering 12 OTC topics tailored to older adults and delivered by pharmacy students. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from five independent senior living communities in Arizona. Following the program, participants completed a questionnaire to address the helpfulness and share their intentions of behavior change. RESULTS: Of 88 older adults who attended the program, 64 met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily completed the anonymous survey. 91.8% of the participants indicated the intervention was either “very helpful” or “moderately helpful”. Upon score conversion, the average score for helpfulness among men and women were 2.35 and 2.37, respectively (p=0.922). 95.2% of the participants agreed they have better understanding about OTCs, and 98.3% reported they would recommend this program to a friend. The majority of the subjects stated they will make changes to the way they use OTCs (79.3%), talk with their pharmacist before purchasing OTCs (86.8%), and discuss OTC use with their providers (88.3%). The three most beneficial topics identified included vitamins/minerals, reading a drug label, and sleep medications. CONCLUSION: An interactive educational program on the safe use of OTC medications, tailored to older adults and delivered by pharmacy students, was helpful and generated positive intentions regarding behavior change in OTC use among participants.