title: Development, implementation and evaluation of a medication safety programme for schoolchildren in Qatar.
abstract: The objectives of this study were to assess the needs of schoolchildren relating to medication safety and to develop and implement a health promotion programme in Qatar. Semi-structured interviews were completed with teachers, nurses and school administrators at 2 primary schools in Doha. Two main themes were identified from these interviews, namely medication basics and medication safety. Subsequently, a 25-minute health promotion programme was developed and delivered to 11 groups of schoolchildren aged 6-10 years. The student groups contained both expatriate and local Qatari students. The programme was evaluated based on perceptions of site representatives, investigators and peer reviewers using a standardized evaluation form. All the evaluators agreed that the programme was beneficial and should be recommended to other schools in Qatar. This study can serve as a prototype for future programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and elsewhere.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Section, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. kjw@qu.edu.qa.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Wilby
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Section, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Hazi
authors.affiliation: National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ashour
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011780:Qatar; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*