March 26, 2009

John Muir Health now offers a new free series of six medication safety brochures, providing vital information that patients, particularly older adults, should know about the medications they take. The series was composed by pharmacists and other medical professionals who collaborate on the Medication Safety Education Program Committee.

The brochures cover topics including medication storage and disposal, immunizations, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and "polypharmacy," (the use of multiple prescription and OTC medications concurrently).

John Muir Health established the Medication Safety Education Program in 2008, due to concerns from nursing and pharmacy staff who noted the lack of information patients have regarding their medications when they are seen during hospital admissions and discharges. For instance, many older adults take five or more medications, often prescribed by different health care professionals, and the use of the medications may not be coordinated or even fully understood by the patient.

"Due to this, combined with the fact that people over age 65 buy 30 percent of all prescription drugs and 40 percent of all OTC drugs, we established this committee to provide reliable community education on medication safety through printed materials, pharmacist presentations, and wallet medication cards," says Arlene Phillips, Manager of John Muir Senior Services. "It really becomes the responsibility of the patient or their caregiver to keep track of the medications, the prescribing physicians, and the conditions being treated."

"If you are taking more than five prescription medications on a regular basis, it is vitally important to schedule three or four visits with your physician per year to review and update the list, and give your physician a chance to reevaluate your general health status with your medications in mind," says Lawren Hicks, M.D., Medical Director of John Muir Senior Services. "Bring your medications, in their bottles, with you so you and your doctor can go over them in detail," he adds.

The series of brochures, as well as wallet medication cards, are available at many John Muir locations and John Muir Medical Group physician offices, or may be requested by contacting Senior Services at (925) 947-3300. Click here to view them

The Medication Safety Education Committee includes Arlene Phillips, M.A., Manager, John Muir Senior Services; Martin Iyoya, Pharm.D., FCSHP, Director of Pharmacy Services; Kristie Patterson, Pharm.D., Walnut Creek Campus; Karen Snelson, B.S.N., R.N., B.C.; Nurse Educator, Concord Campus; Mary Spear, R.N.- B.C., M.S.N., Geriatric Nurse Educator, Walnut Creek Campus; Eileen Toomey, R.N.C., B.S.N., Walnut Creek Campus; and Laura Kaufman, Marketing and Public Relations.

John Muir Senior Services also offers a wide variety of other programs and services focused on older adults, their families and those caring for them. These include:

• Information and referral
• Geriatric care coordination
• Prescription medication assistance and evaluation of eligibility for prescription programs
• Support groups for diabetes, stroke, grief and more
• Monthly educational programs
• Wellness screenings for blood pressure, hearing and memory

For more information or to request a Senior Services newsletter, call (925) 947-3300.