Senior centers have long been associated with elderly people within the society, however, this has been a misconception. The people at senior centers do not necessarily have to be elderly individuals, especially due to the large variety of activities available at the centers. Volunteering is highly regarded since it ensures that individuals at the centers are well catered for. One of the elements, however, which appears to have been neglected is the one regarding patient safety when taking medications. Various instructional materials can be utilized to address the concern. With great learning resources, it is possible for participants at the senior center to lead a productive and healthy life.
Instructional materials comprise of tools utilized as means of communicating information. When addressing the issue of safety when taking medications, there are some materials which can be utilized, and they will vary depending on the characteristic of the participants, characteristic of the media and the characteristic of the task (Bastable, 2019). The first type of instruction which would be utilized in the current scenario are written materials which may comprise of, handouts, books, pamphlets, leaflets and brochures. The content, would, nevertheless, be crafted to align with the targeted audience. Commercially prepared materials are the second type of instructional materials which would be utilized. They involve, brochures, pamphlets, posters and patient-focused texts. As a form of instructional material, they are beneficial since they provide vital information to a large number of people. The factuality of the material created is, nevertheless supposed to be analyzed (Bastable, 2019). The third type, on the other hand, involves self-composed materials which have an advantage of reaching the targeted audience since they can be tailored to meet the expectations of participants at the center. Besides they make it possible to pass a personalized message. It has been noted that groups of patients who are receiving specifically modified instructions are more likely to follow them (Bastable, 2019). Instructional materials are, therefore, necessary when addressing safety concerns when taking medication.
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Some concerns are, nevertheless apparent when utilizing the aforementioned instructional materials. For instance, written materials are likely to be disadvantaged on the basis that they represent the most abstract form of reality. Some materials end up being developed using a language that is beyond the comprehension of community residents at the senior center. Commercially prepared materials despite being resourceful have a drawback of cost. Also, the accuracy and adequacy of content as well as the readability of information presents a major challenge (Bastable, 2019). Further, while some of the materials are very resourceful, the cost implication makes it impossible for one to purchase them in large quantities. A good example is the production by American Parkinson`s Disease Association which offers vital resources though at a costly price (Bastable, 2019). Correspondingly, when developing self-composed materials the main drawback involves the great care that a person has to take to ascertain that the materials are well drafted, which in most cases ends up being more time consuming. An educator, therefore, has to exercise a lot of patience when utilizing this form of instructional materials.
Finding the right time to teach can also turn out to be a challenging endeavor due to competition resulting from other work demands. It is furthermore difficult to predict the time that one may take for a single session. Patient focused education should be offered during the targeted audience free time. The educator has to observe and identify a specific time period when a majority of people at the center are free from all other routines. The teaching session should also be situated in a public area where it can be possible for everyone at the center to access. During the session, learners should be offered an opportunity to air their views and concerns. Besides, the educator should inform learners beforehand of impending sessions. Likewise, it is necessary to highlight the noteworthy areas where computers can be utilized in the senior center. For instance, they can be utilized when printing materials to minimize handwriting and transcription errors (Currie, 2018). The computers can also be used to record vital information regarding participants at the senior center, hence, signifying the essence.
In conclusion, senior centers which offer the necessary learning resources regarding patient safety are vital towards ensuring that the participants lead a healthy life. Some of the important instructional materials which can be utilized by the educator involve, written materials, commercially prepared materials and self-composed materials. Correspondingly, the best time for educating the people at the senior center involves when the participants are not busy, and it should be done in a public area common to all people. Likewise, computers are necessary as learning materials since they can help to eliminate errors that occur in the course of creating instructional materials. Finally, educating individuals at senior centers regarding safety when taking medication is, therefore, a vital element that ought upheld to ensure the health of individuals in the community.
References
Bastable, S. B. (2019). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice . (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Currie, L. M. (2018). Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2008.
