EVALUATION OF A MEDICINE INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM FOR OLDER PEOPLE |
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| Authors: | Susan Quine |
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| Institution: | Department of Public Health and Community Medicine , University of Sydney , Australia |
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| Abstract: | This article describes a medicine information training project initiated through concerns of older people in Australia about the inappropriate use of medicines and adverse consequences on their health. The training program uses experiential and adult learning strategies to train older people to act as advocates and peer role models to inform their peers on the wise use of medicines. The process evaluation conducted established the high quality of the training program's content, staff, documentation, and other resources. However, feedback from graduates indicated the difficulties experienced by older learners when the training is too concentrated. The wide reach of the program, as assessed through the extensive recorded activities of the program's graduates in the community, was positive. The immediate impact evaluation on those completing initial training identified an increase in self‐reported self‐esteem, whereas the intermediate evaluation on experienced graduates showed that growth in personal development had been sustained several years post‐graduation. None regretted volunteering to be trained and all reported deriving great satisfaction from assisting their peers. They would recommend the training to others, but only if they are willing to listen and invest the time needed during and after training. Relatively high rates of attrition due to death, ill‐health, and family commitments were recorded and implications noted. This project successfully mounted a community‐based program to train older people to act as peer educators, with noticeable benefits to program participants. The procedures used, and the insights obtained through participants’ feedback, have relevance for planning other training programs for older learners. |
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