Ensuring your patients are properly cared for is always a top priority for your independent community pharmacy. And, part of caring for patients is looking out for their safety.
June is National Safety Month, which provides a great opportunity to educate your patients on how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Whether it’s teaching them how to take their medications correctly or how to properly care for minor wounds and injuries, your pharmacy can be an advocate for patients’ safety.
Check out these ideas for promoting National Safety Month in your pharmacy.
Safety Concerns to Focus On
Medication safety
Medication safety is always a concern with patients, and your pharmacy is in the ideal position to help.
Patients put their safety at risk when they don’t take the appropriate medication or dosage, take too many medications at once, abuse their medication or don’t take their medication at all.
Conduct regular medication reviews with patients to ensure they’re taking their medications correctly. Encourage the use of pill organizers for patients taking multiple medications and medication reminders for those who have trouble remembering to take their meds.
Falls prevention
One-fourth of Americans aged 65 and older fall each year, according to the National Council on Aging. And, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
Help patients and caregivers understand the dangers associated with falls and identify possible risk factors that could be prevented.
And, remind patients the elderly aren’t the only ones at risk for falling. Talk to parents about ways to keep their children safe from falls, such as wearing protective gear when riding bikes.
First aid
Part of safety is quickly and appropriately caring for injuries and emergency health situations.
Educate your patients on the importance of keeping a first aid kit in their home. Make sure they understand how to deal with common injuries and know when to call for help. You can also recommend a local CPR class.
Equipping patients with the knowledge to handle injuries and emergency situations just might save a life.
The Best Ways to Celebrate National Safety Month in Your Pharmacy
Highlight safety products
Create an end cap highlighting the products your pharmacy carries related to safety. Include signage promoting National Safety Month and offer discounts during the month of June.
Safety products your pharmacy can stock include:
- Pill organizers
- First aid kits
- Bandages
- Durable medical equipment (DME), such as canes and walkers
- Orthopedic supports and braces
Host an event
Host a safety event to spread awareness and drive more traffic to your pharmacy.
Offer free health screenings and medication reviews, and run a sale on products related to safety.
Partner with local law enforcement and other organizations or businesses to promote safety for patients within your community.
Use social media
Spread the word and encourage patient safety on your social media accounts.
Each week, post a new set of safety tips. Use the hashtag #nationalsafetymonth.
Show patients you care by promoting their safety during National Safety Month.
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