1. Med Ed : Making sense of medication

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

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. Resource Development

6. 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)

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Description of Med Ed

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

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

13. Med Ed Content

14. Contact information

15. Table of contents

16. General information and disclaimers

17. Legal rights regarding meds in Ontario

18. FAQs

19. Med Ed information boxes

20. Table of medications

21. Side effects

22. Med Ed Tools

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

24. Checklist Doc

25. 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

26. Also includes… Medication list Appointments Notes page Glossary

27. Med Ed Passport

28. Contact information

29. FAQs

30. Tools

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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.

34. 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?

35. Next steps… Evaluation findings are identifying areas for growth and development. A second iteration of Champion training is being planned for early 2009. 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.

36. For more information: Purnima Sundar, PhD Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant (613) 737-7600 ext. 3485 psundar@cheo.on.ca www.onthepoint.ca