Studies find that older adults take at least five prescription drugs daily. So, it’s easy to understand how taking your medication could get confusing.
At the Community Health Center in Meriden doctors and pharmacists work side-by-side to improve communication about medication.
"When we have a pharmacist right here it sends a message to patients that we feel that clinical pharmacy is as important to your care as it is to see your provider," said Dr. Nwando Olayiwola.
Twice a week UConn pharmacy students meet with patients at the clinic to help explain their medications.
Assistant clinical professor, Diana Sobieraj, oversees the program. "We can add to the healthcare team in suggesting alternative strategies for treating a patients chronic disease," she said.
Most of the 22,000 patients who come to this clinic are either under-insured or have no insurance.
The pharmacy students can offer suggestions for more affordable drugs and medications with fewer side effects.
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"Some patients just require one or two visits and really truly understand their medication regiments although other patients require more continuing follow up and monitoring of their medication regiment," Sobieraj said.
"I think with our approach to care we're always looking at how to integrate care so it's not just about medicine, its' also about mental health and dental and oral health we see pharmacy as one of those spokes on a wheel of integrated continuum of care," said Dr. Nwando Olayiwola.
