[pattyjo]

We are in the process of revamping our med ed program for our inpatient psych unit. (small community hospital) I have a pretty good start already, but would like to hear some innovative ideas from others. What are you doing that works, and how much of a problem is comliance?
Thanks Patty

[sanakruz]

i run an outpatient med ed group every other Weds. I have changed the name to" wellness". I get the same folks all the time in attendance. Talking pills week after week gets boring, so we listen to relaxation tapes, discuss diet and use lots of workbooks people can take home. Go to www.lilly.com You'll find some grat handouts there for the downloading. Lilly has more money than God so this books really are good, very appropriate for an inpt setting. Good luck in your endeavors

[maureeno]

NIMH has wonderful info you can download. It is written especially for patients and families, is comprehensive but not frightening.

[pattyjo]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I have used NIMH alot and gotten the freebies our pharm reps leave, but that website for Lilly is also a good resource. We had been using a kind of generic movie which frankly was too long and tried to cover too much. When I asked the patients how they felt about it, they said they felt they were "being lectured to by the TV." The new program has some worksheets and handouts so it is a bit more interactive. Plus, I am covering some other information like how to read labels and when to get prescriptions filled, and that has been well-received. Being a short term facility, sometimes it feels like we are cramming information into too short a time. I appreciate hearing what others are finding to be successful, so thanks again.
Patty

[Orca]

Another thing is to make a list of the meds you use most, and make yourself as familiar with them as possible. I developed a program a number of years ago geared mainly toward those coming in from outside of psych. I listed the medications we used the most by category, what they did, dosages and what side effects to look for. It also made a handy reference for visiting nursing students.

[MoJoeRN,C]

I worked at a partial program with psychiatric post discharge adult patients. One of the classes
I instructed was med ed. I included diagnosis and had the clients discuss their diagnosis and symptomology as part of the class. Also the medications they were taking and how effective the medications were in reducing symptoms. I learned a lot from the clients, and they learned a lot from each other. The clients are very knowledgeable about their problems and medications. Sometimes judgement and insight are not up to par with their knowledge. I found the group setting ideal for exploring this issue also.