Appropriate Medication Use Project Poison Prevention and Medication

Appropriate Medication Use Project: Poison Prevention and Medication Management University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association BACKGROUND POISON PREVENTION • The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy undertook two projects to meet the goals of the PPA Appropriate Medication Use Project to promote patient awareness of appropriate medication use. • Through our Poison Prevention Tabling and Medication Management Presentations, we reached out to patients of all ages to address their unique health care needs Results and Impressions PPA, in collaboration with PSHP, succeeded in promoting community awareness about an important public health issue while displaying a different role of pharmacy “The project showed how pharmacists can promote public health, provide patient-centered care, and expand their scope of practice by educating patients on safety issues regarding medications and other potential poisons. ” 1. Poison Prevention – tabling outside of Falk Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA during Poison Prevention Week (3/14 -3/20) 2. Medication Management – presentations at senior-living centers throughout the Pittsburgh area POISON PREVENTION Goal: Educate public on poison prevention, encourage appropriate use of medications, promote the image of pharmacy Who: Seven students, both PPA and PSHP members What: Tabling outside Falk Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA • Setup table outside prescription drop-off window • Laid out educational material • Engaged patients about the importance of poison prevention When: Poison Prevention Week (3/14/10 – 3/20/10) Target Population • Children • Parents / grandparents • Senior citizens Event Overview • Counseled over 30 people on the importance of poison prevention • Provided Mr. Yuk stickers/magnets containing the phone number for poison center (1 -800 -222 -1222) • Helped identify potentially poisonous household products • Showed that medications could be a source of toxicity • Explained proper storage and disposal of medications MEDICATION MANAGEMENT Goal: Promote appropriate medication use through medication management and health care education Who: nd rd 17 students (2 and 3 professional year) What: Presentations at four different senior living facilities • Developed Medication Management presentation • Presented to residents • Passed out educational material • Answered residents’ questions • Conducted medication reviews When: Four days during April 2010 Target Population Elderly residents enrolled in the UPMC Staying-at-Home Program living in and around the Pittsburgh area MEDICATION MANAGEMENT Event Overview Engaged over 60 seniors via our presentation covering: • Basic medication terminology • Storage & disposal of medications • Medication reminder methods • Proper use of OTC products • Pharmacists’ role in patient care Interacted with residents: • Answered questions • Provided copies of presentation • Counseled patients • Reviewed medication regimens MEDICATION MANAGEMENT Results and Impressions The project succeeded in promoting appropriate medication use among the elderly and advocating for the profession of pharmacy Seniors… • Learned how to manage their medications • Became more comfortable asking pharmacists health care questions • Saw the unique role of pharmacists through counseling and medication therapy management services PPA will continue its partnership with the UMPC Stayingat-Home program and reach out to even more independentliving senior citizens this year and in the future. “As student pharmacists, we are eager for the opportunity to promote appropriate medication use and improve the health and well-being of our community. ” ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS UPMC Staying-at-Home Program: Sandra Gilmore, LAHP UPMC Falk Pharmacy: Nicole Cerussi, Pharm D University of Pittsburgh Students and Faculty