Guidelines for Medication Education for Occupational Therapists

Abstract

Taking medications is a vital health management activity for people with chronic health conditions. These individuals must take their medications as prescribed to receive the intended benefits and minimize negative effects. Many people with chronic health conditions do not know essential information about their medications, which limits their ability to take their medications as prescribed. Occupational therapists regularly engage in client education to enhance performance of health management. When addressing medications, however, additional considerations are needed because of the highly regulated, interdisciplinary, and complex nature of this occupation. The purpose of this practice guideline is to describe the integration of best practices in patient education, medication education, and the occupational therapist’s scope of practice. Procedures for screening, evaluation, and intervention are discussed.

Keywords

• patient education
• medication adherence
• occupational therapy