TAILOR COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES BY PHARMACISTS TO PEDIATRIC AND GERIATRIC CAREGIVER TO DECREASE CAREGIVER MEDICATION ERRORS AND INCREASE CAREGIVER SATISFACTION IN OUTPATIENT PHARMACY AT KFAFH
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Abstract
Background
Medication errors, prevalent in caregiver interactions, pose significant risks to patient safety. Tailored communication strategies by pharmacists are pivotal in mitigating such errors. This quality improvement project focuses on enhancing communication with pediatric and geriatric caregivers to reduce medication errors.
Method
The rapid cycle quality improvement method PDSA was used for this project, focusing on enhancing communication strategies for pharmacists interacting with pediatric and geriatric caregiver populations. We analyzed identified challenges in miscommunication and implemented several actions.
Interventions
1- Use language that is appropriate for the caregiver's health literacy level
2- Provide patient-friendly educational materials.
3- Pharmacists can encourage caregivers to ask questions when they are unsure of how to give medications at home by increasing awareness that caregiver difficulty with administering medications is common and that questions are expected
4- The teach-back method involves asking patients or caregivers to repeat back the instructions given to them to ensure that they understand the information correctly
5- Encourage caregivers to request a dosing tool if one is not provided. Dosing tools can help caregivers measure the correct medication dose and reduce the risk of medication errors.
Results
- Decrease medication errors among pediatric and geriatric caregivers’ post- intervention by 71.63%.
- Increased average Percentage of patient-caregiver satisfaction by 83.49%, resulting in a noticeable improvement in caregiver experience and engagement.
- Increased average Pharmacist Adherence to Tailored Communication Protocols by 85.45%
- Increased % Use a "teach back" technique to check understanding by 281.25 %
- Increased Pharmacist Engagement in communication skill education programs by 106.5%
Conclusion
Pharmacists' tailored communication strategies play a pivotal role in reducing medication errors among pediatric and geriatric caregivers. By understanding and adapting to various communication preferences, pharmacists can significantly enhance patient safety and overall healthcare outcomes.