IMPROVING OTC MEDICATION SAFETY THROUGH A REFINED SYSTEM REDESIGN INTERVENTION IN A COMMUNITY PHARMACY

Community pharmacies are unique healthcare settings characterized by extended hours and access to a pharmacist who can provide free OTC guidance. Our hypothesis is that older adults who are more aware of OTC risks and can more easily determine if that risk pertains to their own health by speaking with a community pharmacist, will safely select and not misuse OTC medications. The National Academy of Science has called for using a systems approach to improving patient safety, which considers how multiple elements operate together when caring for patients. Accordingly, our lab developed and tested a multi-component intervention that redesigned a mass-merchandise store’s physical environment in order to support the safe selection of OTCs by older adults. The intervention is a senior section proximal to the prescription department. It includes consultation space, lighted magnifying glasses, warning signage, and a curated list of OTC medications that was selected by geriatric pharmacy experts.