Citation

Martin P, Tamblyn R, Ahmed S, Tannenbaum C. Patient Educ. Couns. 2013; 92(1): 81-87.

Affiliation

Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Canada; Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Université de Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pec.2013.02.016

PMID

23541509

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test an educational tool for older adults that increases risk perception about benzodiazepines through knowledge acquisition and change in beliefs. METHODS: A written educational tool was mailed to 144 benzodiazepine consumers aged ≥65 years recruited from community pharmacies. Knowledge and beliefs about inappropriate prescriptions were queried prior to and 1-week after the intervention. Primary outcome was a change in risk perception. Explanatory variables were a change in knowledge and beliefs about medications. Self-efficacy for tapering and intent to discuss discontinuation were also measured. RESULTS: Post-intervention, 65 (45.1%) participants perceived increased risk. Increased risk perceptions were explained by better knowledge acquisition (mean change score 0.9, 95% CI (0.5, 1.3)), and a change in beliefs (BMQ differential mean change score -5.03, 95% CI (-6.4, -3.6)), suggesting elicitation of cognitive dissonance. Self-efficacy for tapering, (mean change score 31.2, 95% CI (17.9, 44.6)), and intent to discuss discontinuation of benzodiazepine with a doctor (83.1% vs 44.3%, p<0.001) were higher among participants who perceived increased risk. CONCLUSION: Risk perception surrounding inappropriate prescriptions can be altered through direct delivery of an educational tool to aging consumers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patients should be targeted directly with information to catalyze discontinuation of inappropriate prescriptions.

Language: en