Assessing Knowledge of General Principles of Geriatric Pharmacology Among Registered Nurses

Abstract

This study was carried out to look at one potential cause for the large number of problems associated with medication mismanagement of hospitalized older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of general principles of geriatric pharmacology among registered nurses. A questionnaire was developed which focused on basic aspects of geriatric pharmacology. The questionnaire was administered to registered nurses working on units that admit a large number of older adults, from one local hospital. Results showed that overall, registered nurses were not as knowledgeable as they should be in terms of geriatric pharmacology and therefore, may often be unable to help prevent adverse drug reactions in the hospitalized older adult population. Implications for further research and focused education of acute care registered nurses are discussed.