BACK TO BASICS: IMPROVING PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND SELFEFFICACY OF MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN A PRIMARY CARE SETTING
Creators: name: Otteson, Joelle
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2019

description: Adverse drug events (ADEs) result in 700,000 emergency department (ED) visits annually and are often the result of medication nonadherence. Older adults are twice as likely as other age groups to experience an ADE leading to an ED visit and are seven times more likely to require hospitalization following such an event. Lack of knowledge regarding one’s medication regimen can lead to dangerous medication errors. Most medication errors are avoidable with the implementation of simple interventions such as the use of a medication administration chart along with patient education in the primary care setting. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to improve knowledge and selfefficacy of medication management among adults aged 65 and older in a primary care setting. Developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based activities to improve medication knowledge and self-efficacy by encouraging self-management of medication regimens were specific aims of this project. Based on current evidence, older adults benefit from personal attention when receiving education regarding their medication regimens. Clear instructions accompanied by a concise, accurate medication list are effective at improving medication adherence and knowledge in the primary care setting. Project participants’ medication knowledge was evaluated using the Medication Knowledge Assessment Tool (MKAT) and levels of self-efficacy of medication management were assessed using the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale iv (SEAMS) at baseline. Participants then received standardized education regarding their medication regimens, provision of a current medication list, encouragement to take their current medication list to all medical appointments, and a two-day follow up phone call to reinforce the education. Medication knowledge and self-efficacy of medication management were reassessed at one- and two-month intervals. Repeat education was provided following reassessment at each of the intervals. Aggregate mean scores of the MKAT and SEAMS at baseline, one-month, and two-months were compared. At baseline, 34% of participants (N = 50) carried a medication list. After receiving education and follow up phone calls, the percentage increased to 68% and 88% (one- and two-months, respectively). Thus, there was a 158% increase from baseline to two-months. The increase was statistically significant (x 2 = 12.12, p = .000). Participants’ knowledge of their medications improved. The improvement was sustained at the twomonth follow up at an average of 11%. Mean MKAT percentage scores rose from 79.38% at baseline to 85.24% and 88.12% at one- and two-months respectively. SEAMS scores showed only slight improvement of 2.73, 2.83, and 2.85 at baseline, one-month, and two-months respectively, yet these differences were statistically significant (p = .000). The findings of the study support the use of standardized education in the primary care setting. Such education improved participants’ medication knowledge and levels of self-efficacy of medication management. The “Back to Basics” approach increases medication safety among older adults.