title: Expanding clinical and information services to the ambulatory older adult through community outreach programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To share successful techniques pharmacists can use to educate community-based older adults about health and medications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Events coordinated through MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program and offered at Massachusetts senior centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program, staffed with pharmacists, caseworkers, and pharmacy students, under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, provides free medication-related information to Massachusetts residents. Clients also receive assistance with cost-minimizing programs and insurance benefits. Seventy percent of contacts are older adults. Services are provided through a toll-free number and outreach programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus on expanding educational health services and includes selecting Medicare D plans, working with support groups, providing medication management for diverse cultures, educating older adults on how to search for health information on the Internet, and discussing medication safety and adherence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participant and pharmacy student knowledge assessed utilizing survey tools. Additional measurements include savings for Medicare beneficiaries and improvements in medication management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Observed results of the Pharmacy Outreach Program include decreased out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries, improved medication adherence resulting in reduction of glycated hemoglobin and blood pressure, identifying and recommending medication treatment changes to reduce patient fall risk, and increased confidence in locating Web-based health information. Pharmacy students demonstrated increased knowledge of and ability to communicate Medicare benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Outreach programs can improve older adults' understanding about their health and medications. Pharmacists can increase visibility in the community by engaging in effective outreach programs.
authors.affiliation: MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Timothy Dy
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Aungst
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Massey
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D013339:Students, Pharmacy