Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Practical opportunities for pharmacists to optimize psychotropic medication use among foster youth
Objectives:
Bring awareness of the health disparity of higher psychotropic medication use among foster youth, describe barriers to optimizing foster children's medication regimen from the perspective of people who work closely with them, and propose practical strategies to empower pharmacists to identify and care for this vulnerable population.
Summary:
A total of 11 focus groups with 72 participants were conducted. Although the discussion guide did not specifically address pharmacists or pharmacies, participants in 9 groups referenced them. The pharmacist-related comments fell under 2 main themes: (1) Pharmacists are recognized as medication experts and their expertise is valued. (2) Those caring for foster youth observe barriers to optimal medication therapy that are unique to children in the foster care system. Practical considerations include providing education to social workers, offering unit-dose packaging, offering delivery, and being a resource during transitions of care.
Conclusion:
Higher rates of psychotropic medication use among foster youth in the United States have raised concern for several decades. Pharmacists are recognized as medication experts by the foster care team, creating an opportunity for pharmacists to become more involved in optimizing psychotropic medication use among foster youth.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...

