Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025

04:13
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Published on: February 8, 2019
6.8K
Awareness and Implementation of the Age-Friendly 4Ms Framework: A Needs Assessment Survey
Yu-Hua Fu1,2, Jing Wu3, Barbara Zarowitz1,2
1Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Pharmacists show awareness of the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative's 4Ms but lack comfort in assessing "Mobility" and "Mentation." Targeted education is needed to improve comprehensive geriatric care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacy
- Health Systems Science
- Interprofessional Education
Background:
- The Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative promotes high-quality care for older adults using the 4Ms: "What Matters," "Medication," "Mentation," and "Mobility."
- Pharmacists are crucial in interprofessional teams for implementing the 4Ms, yet their familiarity and comfort with this framework are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the awareness and comfort levels of pharmacists, specifically American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) members, regarding the 4Ms framework.
- To identify specific areas within the 4Ms where pharmacists may require additional training and support.
Main Methods:
- A needs assessment survey was administered to ASCP members, comprising 38 items across participant characteristics, AFHS initiative familiarity, and 4Ms comfort.
- Comfort was measured using a five-point Likert scale; scores of 4-5 indicated comfort, while 1-3 indicated less comfort.
- Respondents were considered comfortable with a 4M domain if they scored 4 or 5 on all related items.
Main Results:
- Of 232 respondents, 62.1% were aware of the AFHS initiative, but only 20% reported facility-level involvement.
- Pharmacist comfort varied significantly across the 4Ms: "Medication" (73.3%), "What Matters" (71.1%), "Mobility" (28.9%), and "Mentation" (27.2%).
- A substantial number of pharmacists reported never assessing "Mobility" (61.2%) or "Mentation" domains (e.g., dementia 53.0%).
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists demonstrate a need for enhanced education and training, particularly in assessing "Mobility" and "Mentation" in older adults.
- Improving pharmacists' skills in medication optimization and integrating the 4Ms cohesively are essential for person-centered geriatric care.
- Targeted interventions are required to increase pharmacist confidence and competence in applying the full spectrum of the 4Ms framework.
Related Concept Videos
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
983
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
983
Survey Safety
142
Surveying near highways, rough terrain, or power lines involves significant risks. Working along highways is particularly dangerous and requires the use of warning signs and flagmen. It is safest to avoid working directly on roads and use offsets whenever possible. When highway work is unavoidable, it must follow all safety guidelines. Surveyors should wear bright clothing, such as orange reflective vests, to ensure visibility to motorists, coworkers, and hunters. In construction zones, wearing...
142

