title: Interactive approach by pharmacy students to educate older adults on the safe use of over-the-counter medications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA. burgin@pharmacy.arizona.edu
authors: Lindsey B
authors: LB
authors: Burgin
authors: Ana M
authors: AM
authors: Gamboa
authors: Danielle M
authors: DM
authors: Tierney
authors: Jeannie K
authors: JK
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001130:Arizona; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D061214:Patient Safety; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs