“Preventing Medicine Conflicts,” an interactive “Personal Education Software Program” (PEP), was tested in a senior center blood pressure clinic setting. The objectives were to increase older adults’ knowledge of potential interactions of prescription antihypertensives and anticoagulants with OTC agents and alcohol and to increase their self-efficacy in how to avoid such interactions. Subjects were recruited on-site. Those who met age, vision, literacy, independence, and medication use criteria were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, 33 subjects each. A repeated measures (3 time periods, 2 weeks apart), 3 group design (experimental (PEP use), conventional (information booklet), and control (no intervention) was used. The PEP group completed a Rx/OTC use survey and then used the PEP on laptops equipped with infrared sensitive touchscreens. They were also given an informational booklet to read. PEP subjects were tested for self-efficacy and knowledge immediately following PEP/booklet use and again 2 and 4 weeks later. The Conventional group completed the “use” survey, was given the booklet to read and then post-tested. The Control group received no intervention. Conventional and Control subjects used the PEP following the study period. All subjects were given the opportunity throughout the study period to question a community health student nurse about their medications. Preliminary results suggest that PEP and conventional groups achieved study objectives and that subjects had a high degree of satisfaction with the PEP. Delivery of health information to older adults via touchscreen equipped laptops has the potential to revolutionize public health education by community nurses.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to: 1. List 5 reasons for self-medication interactions in active older adults. 2. Identify resources for the implementation of an educational program for older adults on preventing drug interactions arising from self-medication
Keywords: Communication Technology, Aging
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The University of Connecticut and the
Donaghue Medical Research Foundation
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed as graduate teaching/research assistant at the University of Connecticut. Position is funded by a research grant from the Donaghue Medical Research Foundation