Transcript ASHP Midyear Poster December 2010

Poison Prevention: Increasing Awareness About Pediatric Poisonings
BACKGROUND
•The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy undertook
several projects to promote patient awareness of the importance of
poison prevention.
•Through our Poison Prevention Outreach, we reached out to
children, adolescents, and parents during Poison Prevention Week
(3/14-3/20)
1.Tabling outside of Falk Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA
2.Presentation at a local elementary school
RESULTS AND IMPRESSIONS
Results and Impressions
PSHP, who also collaborated with PPA to table at Falk pharmacy,
succeeded in promoting community awareness about an important
public health issue while displaying a different role of pharmacy.
“The project showed how pharmacists can
promote public health and expand their scope
of practice by educating patients on safety
issues regarding potential poisons.”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Goal: Collaborate with a local elementary school to provide
education on accidental household poisonings
Who: PSHP members
What: Presentation in an elementary school classroom
• Educated children to recite poison prevent hotline number
• Sent educational letters home to parents
• Distributed Mr. Yuk stickers
• Discussed differences between candy and poisons
When: Poison Prevention Week (3/14/10 – 3/20/10)
Target Population: Children and Parents
3. Presentation at a local high school
HIGH SCHOOLS
Goal: Educate high school student on various forms of drug abuse
Who: PSHP members
What: After-school presentation at Mt. Lebanon High School
• Scientific information about drug abuse
• Educate on the rise of teen OTC and prescription drug abuse
• Discussed the differences of psychological and physical addiction
TABLING AT FALK PHARMACY
Goal: Educate public on poison prevention, promote the image of
pharmacy
Who: PSHP and PPA members
What: Tabling outside Falk Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA
• Setup table outside prescription drop-off window
• Laid out educational material
• Engaged patients about the importance of poison prevention
When: Poison Prevention Week (3/14/10 – 3/20/10)
When: Poison Prevention Week (3/14/10 – 3/20/10)
Target Population: AP science high school students
Target Population
• Children
• Parents / grandparents
• Senior citizens
Event Overview
• Describe the neuroscience of drug abuse
• Discussed various OTC drugs of abuse, prescription drugs of abuse, and
illicit drugs of abuse
• For each medication discussed the mechanism of action, therapeutic and
illicit uses, and side effects were referenced
• Discussed signs and symptoms of drug overdose
• Answered student questions
WHAT CAN YOU DO
Event Overview
• Counseled over 30 people on the importance of poison prevention
• Provided Mr. Yuk stickers/magnets containing the phone number for
poison center (1-800-222-1222)
• Helped identify potentially poisonous household products
• Showed that medications could be a source of toxicity
• Explained proper storage and disposal of medications
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
UPMC Falk Pharmacy: Nicole Cerussi, Pharm D
University of Pittsburgh Students and Faculty
Mount Lebanon High School