Med Ed : Making sense of medication

Todays presentation Background and context Resource development Description Using Med Ed Training Evaluation Next steps

A reflective exercise… In your practice: Do many of your clients take medications? Are you often asked to find information about medications for your clients? Do you have access to medication information resources that are useful for your clients? Do your clients receive adequate information about the benefits and risks of their medications?

Background and context Youth taking psychotropic medications often do not know enough about these medications. Youth-oriented materials are very hard to find. Most resources dont work to promote dialogue between youth, caregivers, and health providers. Currently piloting the Med Ed resource, developed at the request of MCYS.

Resource Development

The team Developers 2 pharmacists (Drs. Andrea Murphy and David Gardner) 1 psychiatrist (Dr. Stan Kutcher) Partners The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO (Drs. Ian Manion and Simon Davidson)

Other critical people Youth with mental illnesses Clinicians Graphic designer Plain language consultant Expert review panel (Ontario) Legal consultation Stakeholder feedback Basic booklet template

Developing the content 1.Most important information comes first Order of content (see FAQs) based on youth input 2.Style (font, size, graphics) Based on input by youth and other key stakeholders 3.Medicaleze A glossary is provided that explains important medical terms 4.Illustrations Used to convey detailed, complex information

5.Written at 6 th grade level Plain language writer edited content 6.Concise, bulleted format Bulleted information acts as springboards to discussion for patients and health providers 7.Consistency with design and information Sections follow the same format and style

Description of Med Ed

The booklet Content rich Three main sections: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Tools and checklists Glossary

The passport Portable, concealable Full of tools A companion to the booklet Abbreviated sections FAQs Checklists

Med Ed Content

Contact information

Table of contents

General information and disclaimers

Legal rights regarding meds in Ontario

FAQs

Med Ed information boxes

Table of medications

Side effects

Med Ed Tools

Checklists Designed to support communication between clients and care providers Lists questions to ask prescriber and pharmacist Includes space to make notes

Checklist Doc

Trackers Work to support improved self- monitoring and clinician-monitoring of medication side effects Client and care provider agree upon what to monitor and how often

Also includes… Medication list Appointments Notes page Glossary

Med Ed Passport

Contact information

FAQs

Tools

Med Ed Pilot Training Train-the-trainer model 19 trained Champions from across the province in a range of roles, mostly in residential treatment facilities Champions are currently providing training within their organizations Ongoing support is provided to Champions via web portal and regular teleconferences

Med Ed evaluation of pilot stage Focus: –Effectiveness of training in increasing knowledge and confidence for service providers; utility of tool for end-users Sources: –Champions, trained service providers, end-users (youth and caregivers) Methods: –Questionnaires, telephone interviews, focus groups

Med Ed in your practice setting Just because Med Ed is available doesnt mean it will be used. A number of variables influence whether or not healthcare innovations are adopted.

Small group exercise What factors may influence the uptake of Med Ed in your practice setting? What are the barriers? What are the facilitators? What strategies can be used to overcome barriers and capitalize on facilitators?

Next steps… Evaluation findings are identifying areas for growth and development. A second iteration of Champion training is being planned for early Different models of training for different Champion groups (e.g., physicians, teachers, pharmacists) are being considered. Future dissemination efforts beyond piloting are planned for identified target regions and sectors, stakeholder groups and other Canadian provinces and interested parties outside Canada.

For more information: Purnima Sundar, PhD Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant (613) ext