Test 2 Communicating with the Older Adult

Question 1

Opportunities and needs

Answer 1

• older people (over the age of 65) make up 13% of US population
• they consume 30% of rx drugs and 50% of OTC meds
• suffer large proportion of deaths and hospitalizations from med errors
• drug related mortality = 5th leading cause of death among older people
• communication is complicated with older people due to impairments

Question 2

List factors influencing the communication process with the older adult.

Answer 2

• internal factors by the pharmacist and the patient
• listening habits by the pharmacist and the patient
• sensory and emotional factors
• environmental factors
• verbal expression
• non-verbal expression

Question 3

Identify barriers to effective communication by the pharmacists

Answer 3

• stereotyping
• controlling behaviors
• depersonalizing attitudes
• reluctance or inability to communicate by the patient

Question 4

How can pharmacists overcome stereotyping?

Answer 4

• identify our stereotypes and work to overcome them

- appreciate the heterogeneity of the older population

Question 5

How can pharmacists overcome controlling behaviors?

Answer 5

• attempt to make the patient an active participant

- identifying your behaviors and make changes

Question 6

How can pharmacists overcome depersonalizing attitudes?

Answer 6

• address the patient directly
• display empathy and concern
• encourage dialogue
• use respectful language

Question 7

How can pharmacists overcome reluctance or inability to communicate by the patient?

Answer 7

Pharmacist should be proactive and encourage the patient to participate

Question 8

Identify physiologic barriers to effective communication with the older patient

Answer 8

• visual impairment
• hearing impairment
• cognitive impairment

Question 9

How can pharmacists overcome visual barriers presented by the patient?

Answer 9

• ensure adequate lighting
• glasses
• large type on rx label without glossy tape
• supplemental information should be in large type and non-glare finish
• write out instruction in larger print
• offer to read the labels for the patient
• use pictograms
• color codes
• divided pillboxes

Question 10

How can pharmacists overcome hearing barriers presented by the patient?

Answer 10

• speak slowly and clearly with pause
• do not shout; speak clearly with slightly increased volume; avoid talking in higher pitch
• face the patient directly making sure they can see your mouth
• minimize background noise
• use written supplements, gestures, or diagrams

Question 11

How can pharmacists overcome visual cognitive barriers presented by the patient?

Answer 11

• talk directly to the patient even if the caregiver is present
• use simple, direct wording and short sentences
• slow down, take your time
• accommodate for accompanying visual or hearing loss.
• orient the patient to what you are doing
• do not overload the patient
• be organized
• be supportive and reassuring