Interactive approach by pharmacy students to educate older adults on the safe use of over-the-counter medications.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate a pharmacy student-led interactive educational program for older adults on the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional study evaluating an educational program covering 12 common OTC topics. Doctor of pharmacy students and a geriatric specialist faculty advisor developed and delivered a 30-minute presentation tailored to older adults, accompanied by various interactive learning methods, including a question and answer session. Following the program, participants completed a questionnaire to address the helpfulness and report intentions of behavior change. RESULTS: A total of 88 individuals attended the presentations, and 64 participants voluntarily completed the anonymous post-program survey; 91.8% of the participants indicated the intervention was either "very helpful" or "moderately helpful." The majority of subjects stated they would make changes to the way they use OTCs (79.3%) and discuss OTC use with their providers (88.3%). The three most beneficial topics included vitamins/minerals, reading a drug label, and sleep medications. CONCLUSION: An interactive educational program on the safe use of OTC medications was helpful and generated positive intentions regarding behavior change in OTC use among older adults.