A systematic approach to self-medication in older people

This aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized education programme on older patients' knowledge of prescribed medication. A questionnaire for assessment of medication knowledge was used to collect data from 15 patients before and after an individualized education programme which lasted approximately 2 weeks. Following the collection of pre-intervention data, an individualized education programme was developed for each patient. In addition to verbal instruction, each patient was provided with written information on his/her drug regimen. As part of the education programme each patient also had an opportunity to self-administer his/her medication. The results of the study showed that all participants scored higher in the post-test than the pre-test, although the degree of improvement varied between participants. The average increase in knowledge was 26%. Patient satisfaction with the education programme was also assessed using a questionnaire. Results suggested that there was a very high level of satisfaction with the programme.