We considered that an educational intervention to increase knowledge of medicines for home helpers of elderly patients would help ensure that they are administered properly.We conducted a questionnaire survey of home helpers regarding their interest in and knowledge of medicine,need of studying it,and experience of helping the elderly to take their medicines.The questionnaire was sent to 103 helper stations,and 121 home helpers from 23 stations responded.
Home helpers helped elderly patients to take various medicines,and many were interested in the medicines that they were taking.Despite feeling the need to know more about the medicines,they had few opportunities to do so.Based on these responses,we recently planned an educational program that was suited to the needs of the home helpers and included a study meeting since many of them had expressed the desire to participate in one.
We felt it was instructive for the pharmacist to understand the actual situation of elderly patients taking medicines at home and how they are helped in taking their medicines by home helpers.
