Servicio de atención farmacéutica a personas mayores

Abstract

The main objective was to design and implement a practical component of the subject “Pharmaceutical Care” for 4th-year Pharmacy students, combining learning with the provision of pharmaceutical care services for elderly people. A secondary objective was to assess participants’ adherence to their treatments. In the 2022/2023 academic year, the practice was designed and tested with 20 volunteer students as a Service-Learning project. In 2023/2024, it was incorporated in the subject program with the participation of the 61 enrolled students. In total, 8 visits to day centers were conducted, coordinated through the Programa de Acercamiento Intergeneracional of the USAL Social Affairs Service. A total of 141 elderly individuals participated, responding positively to the activity, appreciating its usefulness and expressing their interest in more initiatives of this kind. Of the participants, 57% were considered adherent to their treatments. Forty-one students answered the anonymous satisfaction survey, with more than 80% deeming the experience beneficial, both personally and academically. The designed activity has proven feasible and successful in achieving the objectives set. The satisfaction of students, elderly participants, teachers and day center coordinators highlights the value of this type of initiative.