Did you know that, in the US alone, 1.5 million seniors are living in nursing homes, and nearly 40% of them are potentially receiving the wrong medications? That's a significant percentage of a vulnerable population. It is also one of the reasons many have started trying to improve healthcare for seniors. Among those passionate about making a change is Dr. Jillian Thompson, a clinical pharmacist working day in and day out to improve the quality of long-term care in the US so that it truly represents the state of advancement first-world countries are known for.
After meeting pharmacists passionate about improving people's lives, Dr. Thompson felt the call to pursue pharmacy. However, it was her time in the hospital and long-term care facilities that truly helped her come to terms with the struggles of elderly patients and their need for special care.
"Personalized medication management significantly improves their well-being," Dr. Thompson says, shedding light on her commitment to patient-centered care. A philosophy at the heart of her care offerings is that sometimes the best approach is to simplify treatments instead of complicating them, and that's especially beneficial for the adult population.
Accordingly, one of the most pressing issues she gives her time and effort to is advocating for medication safety. Unlike the younger population that can manage prescription medicines easily and practice safely, seniors are more likely to end up being hospitalized and bear increased healthcare costs because of adverse drug events (ADEs). That's where Dr. Thompson steps in.
She firmly believes that we can tackle this issue head-on by crafting strict policies that improve medication safety and reduce overprescription. This is all the more important in underserved rural areas where quality care isn't easily accessible. "My goal is to bridge these gaps and ensure that seniors in rural areas receive the same level of care and oversight as those in more urban settings," she explains.
Implementing new protocols in long-term care facilities can be challenging. Staff often feel overwhelmed by their existing workloads, making them resistant to change. Dr. Thompson recognizes these barriers but believes they can be overcome through collaboration and education.
"Involving all stakeholders early in the process and ensuring they understand the 'why' behind each protocol is essential," she advises. By fostering a sense of ownership among staff and demonstrating how changes can improve both patient care and workflow, facilities can successfully integrate new practices that enhance safety and quality.
Another innovative aspect of Dr. Thompson's approach is her advocacy for telepharmacy services. In many rural areas, residents face significant barriers to accessing pharmacy services due to geographic isolation or lack of resources. Telepharmacy allows clinical pharmacists to provide remote consultations and training, ensuring that even those in isolated communities receive high-quality care. This technology not only improves access but also empowers healthcare providers to optimize medication therapy for their patients.
The impact of Dr. Thompson's work extends beyond individual health benefits, with the potential to fundamentally reshape America's approach to elder care. By focusing on medication safety and advocating for underserved communities, she contributes to a more equitable healthcare system where all seniors have access to safe and effective medication management.
As we look toward the future of healthcare for our aging population, Dr. Jillian Thompson is aiming to make it better. Her dedication to enhancing medication safety, particularly among vulnerable populations, promises not only to improve health outcomes but also to foster a more equitable society. With her leadership, we can envision a future where every senior receives the quality care they deserve, regardless of where they live.