Pharmacists must learn to assess mental health needs of old people
Old people may need support to prevent mental health problems developing |
All pharmacists should receive training in the
assessment and care of old people with mental health needs, an Age Concern report recommends.
The report says that the Royal
Pharmaceutical Society should require the
curricula for all basic training programmes to
include modules on the assessment and care
of old people with mental health needs
It
adds: “Basic training should reinforce the
message that older people are the main users
of health and social care services. Older people
with mental health problems should be
involved in curriculum development, training
delivery and role playing.”
It also says that the Society should develop
initiatives to improve the quality of pharmacists’ practice in identifying and responding to
old people’s mental health needs. “Initiatives
could include continuing professional development
on the prevention of mental health
problems in later life,” it says.
Paul Gimson, lead pharmacist for long-term
conditions at the Society, said the report should
be of interest to pharmacists.“It states that twothirds
of people with depression are undiagnosed
and 50 per cent of those diagnosed are
treated with antidepressants. Pharmacy has a
clear role in identifying and supporting these
people.The Society is in the process of updating
its mental health guidance and will be considering
this report as part of that process.”
“Improving services and support for older
people with mental health problems” makes
35 recommendations and identifies five key
areas for action: ending discrimination, prioritising
prevention, enabling old people to
help themselves, improving current services
and facilitating change through improved education,
training and support.
Damian Day, head of accreditation at the
Society, commented: “The recommendations
made in the Age Concern mental health report
will be considered through the Society’s
Fit for the Future education reform programme.
Pharmacists can provide valuable
support in improving mental health, and
services for older patients, and it is important
that pharmacists are receiving adequate education
and training in this area.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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