Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.MethodsThe study was conducted with a cross-sectional observational design using a questionnaire. A total of 400 pharmacists responded to a 19-statement knowledge test related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. The study was conducted from July 2016 to February 2017. The reliability and internal consistency of the study tool was assessed using the test-retest method and the Cronbach alpha. Categorical groups were compared using the chi-square test and the Spearman rank correlation.ResultsOn the 19-statement knowledge test, the median score was 55.3% with an interquartile range of 21.9%. In a comparison of the demographic and practice-related variables of the pharmacists who scored ≥ 50% on the 19-statement knowledge test with those who scored < 50%, age, gender, and having taken a course on psychotropic medications were found to be significantly associated with performance, as shown by the chi-square test and Spearman correlation.ConclusionPharmacists practicing in Palestine possess less than optimal knowledge of issues related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. Continuing educational interventions and/or training might be helpful in improving pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.
Highlights
The provision of healthcare services has reduced mortality rates and increased life expectancy around the world
As experts in medication use, pharmacists can play an indispensable role in caring for patients, including older people, promot ing the rational use of psychotropic medications, and helping patients obtain the best benefits from their medications
To provide optimal healthcare services, pharmacists are expected to have an adequate knowledge of medications
Summary
The provision of healthcare services has reduced mortality rates and increased life expectancy around the world. Older people often suffer chronic mental disor ders and utilize psychotropic medications. The utilization of psychotropic medications by older people was re ported to be increasing [1]. Pharmacists are trusted and acces sible healthcare professionals who are expected to provide healthcare for patients, including older people, who use psychotropic medica tions. As experts in medication use, pharmacists can play an indispensable role in caring for patients, including older people, promot ing the rational use of psychotropic medications, and helping patients obtain the best benefits from their medications. To provide optimal healthcare services, pharmacists are expected to have an adequate knowledge of medications. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people
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