Identifying over-the-counter information to prioritize for the purpose of reducing adverse drug reactions in older adults: A national survey of pharmacists.

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication use is associated with risks of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly among older adults. The Drug Facts Label (DFL) is supposed to provide consumers with information that would avoid ADRs, yet research suggests that consumers frequently fail to interact with this critical information. We postulate that emphasizing critical information by placing it on the front of the package may increase its usage.

Impact of a pilot community pharmacy system redesign on reducing over-the-counter medication misuse in older adults.

Background: No interventions have attempted to decrease misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for adults aged 65 years or older (older adults) by addressing system barriers. An innovative structural pharmacy redesign (the Senior Section) was conceptualized to increase awareness of higher-risk OTC medications. The Senior Section contains a curated selection of OTC medications and is close to the prescription department to facilitate pharmacy staff-patient engagement to reduce misuse.

Patient attitudes regarding pharmacist-administered memory screening in community pharmacies.

Objectives: To describe patient attitudes toward pharmacist-administered memory screening in community pharmacies and assess patient satisfaction with screening in this venue.

Methods: One pharmacist in each of two pharmacies performed a background assessment and administered the Mini-Mental State Examination, the category (animal) fluency test, and the clock-drawing test to participants 60 to 75 years of age with no previous diagnosis of cognitive impairment and who were not taking a prescribed medication for dementia. Participants then completed a 28-item Likert-type scale evaluation.

Geriatric pharmacy education: a strategic plan for the future.

The aging of the US population will have a major effect on the future practice of pharmacy. By 2030, 20% of Americans will be aged 65 years and older, an increase from 12.4% in 2000.