A systematic approach to educating elderly patients about their medications

Patient Educ Couns. 1992 Feb;19(1):43-60. doi: 10.1016/0738-3991(92)90101-n.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pharmacist-initiated, total package, patient education program based on the concepts described in the PRECEDE model. This program was directed towards 94 therapeutically complex elderly patients and consisted of a medication history, therapeutic evaluation, patient education needs assessment, patient education session, and a patient feedback/satisfaction telephone interview. Pharmacists identified on average 5.6 medication-related problems and provided an average of 6.2 recommendations. Problems commonly identified involved inadequate drug knowledge (25.5%), noncompliance (22.7%), and inappropriate drug use (17.4%). Typical recommendations included altering drug use (35.9%), improving compliance behavior (18.1%), and improving communication with health professionals (18.1%). Patient satisfaction with the education session was overwhelmingly positive. Based on the findings of this study, it is apparent that a patient education program based on the PRECEDE model can be used successfully by pharmacists to prepare education plans that would benefit the therapeutically complex elderly patient.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pharmacists
  • Self Administration