The purpose of this presentation is to identify burden and problems experienced by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). AD results in gradual deterioration of cognition, language, and memory that can impact an individual’s ability to independently perform daily functional activities (CDC, 2019). The role of caregivers is significant in providing assistance to the patients with chronic AD which can be a source of strain for caregiver population. About 16.3 million informal AD caregivers have spent 18.5 billion hours, which is equal to value of $234 billion, to assist patients with other dementia types and AD in 2018 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). In-depth literature synthesis was carried out using multiple databases. Recent and relevant articles were selected to be added in the review. Due to responsibility of constant vigilance of AD patients, the caregivers may overlook their self-care needs and detach themselves from social life. Literature analysis revealed common challenges and needs of AD care partners including limited social engagement, concerns of sexuality, and sleep problems. Understanding caregiver problems will help nurses and other health care professionals to support families by planning preventive measures. Resources can be invested to improve physical and mental well-being of caregivers. Researches can be planned to bridge the knowledge gap identified through literature review on this topic. References Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/caregivers_fact_sheet.pdf?docID=3022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

Community-dwelling older adults are vulnerable to medication safety-related harms. Prevention of medication-related harms in the outpatient setting starts with thorough and thoughtful medication reconciliation at each patient encounter. Comprehensive medication reconciliation is challenging for prescribers to provide in busy time-pressured practices. Older adults currently taking five or more daily prescription medications were recruited for this qualitative study. From the participants’ perspective, we explored the role of the prescriber, pharmacist, and patient in medication safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews were conducted from October 2020 to June 2021. Results from these interviews suggest that older adults recognized their role in medication safety supersedes just taking the pills as prescribed. Older adults understand that they must play an essential role in the coproduction of quality health services. Subthemes that emerged from the patient’s perceived role were “taking fewer medications,” “locking them up,” “keeping appointments,” and “reading the label.” Pharmacists were expected to inform participants of any changes in their medications, such as the color, shape, or dosage, and ensure no drug interactions. Primary care providers are expected to coordinate care between all specialists treating their patients and any medication prescribed by those specialists. There was a high level of trust in the provider’s knowledge, skill, and experience, along with a low level of patient engagement in decision-making around deprescribing. Among older adults, self-perceptions of their role in medication safety varied widely. Educating prescribers and pharmacists about the role expectations of this vulnerable population can help improve medication safety.

Community-dwelling multi-morbid older adults are a vulnerable population for medication safety-related threats. We interviewed a sample of these older adults recruited from local retirement communities and from primary care practices to learn their perceptions of barriers and enablers for their medication safety. The present study is part of the Partnership in Resilience for Medication Safety (PROMIS) study. One of the aims of this project is to identify barriers and opportunities to improve older adults' medication safety. These interviews were conducted during COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Results from this qualitative study suggest that trust between these older adults and their healthcare providers is an essential component of medication safety. Overarching themes include disruptions in medication management, caregivers caring for each other, patient safety practices or habits, and medication management literacy. Participants also shared strain due to lack of skills to navigate telemedicine visits, trust in Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and pharmacists to prescribe and dispense safely for them, reliance on PCPs and pharmacists to give essential information about medications without having to be asked. Our interviews illustrated large variations in older adults’ perceived role in medication safety, with some developing expertise in understanding how medications work for them and how long-term medications should be periodically reviewed. The types of information needs and supports from PCPs were likely different. Understanding these barriers and enablers for safe medication management can help us develop medication safety improvements for this vulnerable population.

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BackgroundIn Pakistan, the slow pace of declining fertility rate accounts for troubling consequences like multiple pregnancies, induced abortions, the low 34% contraceptive prevalence rate, and overpopulation. This coupled with the lack of literature on this topic in the country makes it pivotal to explore the gender roles and responsibilities of adults in marital life and within the family and their influence on Family Planning decisions in adults, in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsThe study design involved purposive selection of 12 consenting married adults belonging to Gulberg Town, from whom detailed qualitative data was collected using open-ended, semi-structured interviews, supported by field notes. For the sake of anonymity, participants were assigned codes. Furthermore, all discussions were conducted in English or Urdu language by the female investigator herself and were audio recorded after obtaining participants’ consent. Thereafter, a rigorous thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out, with the results being double-checked before being securely stored in soft or hard copy. ResultsThe study observations identified that gender roles and responsibilities do affect Family Planning decisions in Pakistan. The results were broadly categorized into two themes: superficial reasons and deeper reasons affecting FP decisions. The first theme has three main categories; interpretation of FP, awareness about FP, and couple as representative of FP decision making whereas the second theme has five categories; roles and responsibilities of men in the family, roles and responsibilities of women in the family, women autonomy, mind the gap or taming the women, and way forward. ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that while superficial reasons must be resolved, it is primarily crucial to eliminate the subtler, tap root factors influencing FP decisions by strongly addressing school curricula, nurses and other Health Care Workers (HCWs) to positively impact the society. Further qualitative and quantitative research is ultimately necessary for assessing the viewpoint of important stakeholders and how, using a multiprong approach, the stringent perceptions pertaining to Family Planning can be altered to benefit the society.