Spreading education on how to use medicine correctly and changing medical care
"Illness is something that a doctor can cure".Japan still has such a way of thinking, but the concept of self-medication is the mainstream in the world. It can be said that increasing the number of people who “protect their own health” is an urgent task for maintaining the Japanese medical system.
However, the current situation is that even over-the-counter drugs available at drug stores and pharmacies cannot be used correctly. Of course, "taking cold medicines in bulk to get rid of them quickly" is a mistake, and "putting eye drops without washing your hands" is not the correct way to use them.
Understanding and understanding how to use the drug properly motivates you to take an interest in your health.The "Waku Waku Medicine Class" sponsored by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University began with such an aim.It is held twice a year on the Itabashi campus for XNUMXrd to XNUMXth grade elementary school students and their parents, and this year marks the XNUMXth year.
It is planned and operated mainly by faculty members and student staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and on the day of the event, guidance is given on how to wash hands correctly and how to use eye drops correctly under the theme of "XNUMX promises when using medicine".Since the target is elementary school students, the feature is that it is a "participation experience type" classroom through experiments that stimulate curiosity, and ingenuity is scattered in the two-hour program.We asked Professor Momoe Saito of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who supervises the event, about the circumstances of the event.
"For example, in France, consistent drug education is carried out from elementary school to high school, but in Japan it is not currently introduced in elementary school. Also, the parents also give medicine to their children with assumptions and misunderstandings. You may be using it. Knowledge of medicine is a lifelong requirement. If the rules for proper use of medicine permeate society, medical care will change. "
Participant satisfaction is extremely high.The questionnaire after the survey revealed for the first time the parents' "I was surprised that the hand washing was not as good as I expected" and "I shouldn't take it only in the capsule or crush the big pills." The impression was spelled out.Professor Saito raises expectations that "for children, it would be great if this classroom could be a part of pharmacy and give them an opportunity to learn about the profession of pharmacists."
This initiative, in which there are many inquiries and inspections from pharmacists' associations and related parties, can be said to be a grassroots activity that roots self-medication in Japan.The idea of "energizing the future" through health literacy education is the driving force.
01. Explanation while showing the slide.Speak slowly and proceed while asking for your hands and opinions.
02. For supporting students, this is a valuable opportunity for patients.
03. There is no dedication to getting people interested in medicine.
04. An experiment to learn about tablets.I am curious that the appearance is the same but the way it melts is different.
05. Master the correct hand-washing through a checker that shines the unwashed part and watching a DVD containing hand-washing exercises.
06. Faculty and student staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy involved in planning and operation.
(Photo by Yasuhiro Ebiya)
Teikyo University
Headquarters Public Relations Section TEL.03-3964-4162
173-8605-2 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 11-1
