Scientific Poster Session II - Original Research

Original Research
  Sunday, October 13, 2024
  12:45 PM–02:15 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare, particularly among pediatric and geriatric patients who rely on caregivers for medication administration. Improving communication strategies by pharmacists can reduce these errors and enhance caregiver satisfaction.

Research Question or Hypothesis: Can tailored communication strategies by pharmacists decrease medication errors and increase caregiver satisfaction among pediatric and geriatric populations in an outpatient pharmacy setting?

Study Design: This quality improvement project employed the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to implement and evaluate tailored communication strategies by pharmacists.

Methods:

The study was conducted in an outpatient pharmacy . Interventions included:

1. Using language appropriate for the caregiver's health literacy level.
2. Providing patient-friendly educational materials.
3. Encouraging caregivers to ask questions about medication administration.
4. Implementing the teach-back method to confirm caregiver understanding.
5. Providing dosing tools to ensure accurate medication measurement.

Data on medication errors, caregiver satisfaction, pharmacist adherence to communication protocols, use of the teach-back technique, and pharmacist engagement in communication skill education were collected before and after the interventions.

Results: post-intervention, there was a 71.63% reduction in medication errors among pediatric and geriatric caregivers. Caregiver satisfaction increased by 83.49%, indicating a significant improvement in their experience and engagement. Pharmacist adherence to tailored communication protocols rose by 85.45%, while the use of the teach-back technique increased by 281.25%. Additionally, pharmacist participation in communication skill education programs increased by 106.5%.

Conclusion: Tailored communication strategies by pharmacists significantly reduce medication errors and improve caregiver satisfaction in pediatric and geriatric populations. By adapting to caregivers' communication needs, pharmacists can enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes.

Presenting Author

Dalal M. AL-Harbi Pharm. D
KFAFH-Jeddah

Authors

Asmaa Alshehri Pharm. D
KFAFH-Jeddah

Jumanah Attar Pharm. D
KFAFH-Jeddah

Aseel Jambi Pharm. D
KFAFH-Jeddah