Examining the effects of an experiential interprofessional education activity with older adults.

The need for experienced healthcare professionals to work with older adults is great, yet educational training is limited. In this interprofessional education (IPE) study, 861 students from five professions made 293 visits in the homes or preferred community settings of 208 older adults. Surveys with quantitative and open-text feedback assessed attitudes towards older adults, IPE team functioning, and the value of home visits. Survey results showed strongly positive attitudes towards ageing and older adults. Students from all professions expressed surprise and admiration for the active lives led by these healthier older adults, lives clearly in contrast to stereotypes of ageing. They further acknowledged the value of collaborative team functioning in meeting older adult needs, learned more about the roles and responsibilities of other professions, and identified strengths of the home as a site for care. Students positively valued the experience as part of their professional training, with 82% of all students stating they would welcome additional IPE opportunities. Results suggest that an experiential IPE activity can positively shape student attitudes towards older adults, IPE, and interprofessional collaboration.

Pharmacist engagement in medical home practices: report of the APhA-APPM Medical Home Workgroup.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that have led to successful involvement of pharmacists in patient-centered medical home (PCMH) practices, identify challenges and suggested solutions for pharmacists involved in medical home practices, and disseminate findings. DATA SOURCES: In July 2011, the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Pharmacy Practice & Management convened a workgroup of pharmacists currently practicing or conducting research in National Committee for Quality Assurance-accredited PCMH practices. DATA SYNTHESIS: A set of guiding questions to explore the early engagement and important process steps of pharmacist engagement with PCMH practices was used to conduct a series of conference calls during an 8-month period. CONCLUSION: Based on knowledge gained from early adopters of PCMH, the workgroup identified 10 key findings that it believes are essential to pharmacist integration into PCMH practices.

The Medication Assessment Program: comprehensive medication assessments for persons taking multiple medications for chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pharmacist patient care program for persons taking multiple medications for chronic diseases. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: Services were provided in Michigan within community pharmacies and through home and work-site visits, between October 2004 and September 2006. PARTICIPANTS: 30 pharmacists and 67 patients 18 years of age or older who took four or more medications on a routine basis (three or more times per week). INTERVENTIONS: The comprehensive medication assessments identified medication- and health-related problems. Pharmacists provided patient education supported by written educational materials and written recommendations for improving drug therapy and overall patient health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient knowledge regarding medications, diagnoses, and healthy lifestyle practices; types of recommendations made; recommendation acceptance rates; pharmacist assessment of program effects. RESULTS: The program was developed and implemented through a collaborative approach that included pharmacists, colleges of pharmacy, and employers. Pharmacists were supported by various administrative and clinical services offered by the colleges. Three employers adopted the program as a service for their employees, retirees, and dependents. A total of 67 patients received comprehensive medication assessments. Patients tended to be women, tended to be older, and took an average of 12.6 medications. Pharmacists provided 662 recommendations related to drug therapy, healthy lifestyle practices, and the need for medical evaluation. Recommendation acceptance rates, changes in patient knowledge, and pharmacist evaluation of program effects indicated that the program had a positive effect on patient health. CONCLUSION: A collaborative approach to developing and implementing comprehensive medication assessments was found to be beneficial in improving patient understanding of medications, diagnoses, and healthy lifestyle choices. Written pharmacist recommendations resulted in actions that improved self-monitoring skills and drug therapy appropriateness. College of pharmacy administrative and clinical service support was instrumental in network participation and the provision of care.