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Since 2004, an enthusiastic team of older people has been helping their fellow seniors learn about medicines. They have been trained as 'peer educators'. Peer educators are ordinary older people who share their knowledge about using medicines with their peers by voluntarily facilitating sessions about the quality use of medicines for groups of older people throughout the country. All have had training in conducting lively interactive sessions, the principles of using medicines wisely and safely, and sources of information and help about medicines. To give some insight into what your group might gain from attending a quality use of medicines peer education session, we interviewed two peer educators. Maree Jeffs lives in Warburton, a town north-east of Melbourne, and is a peer educator with the Council on the Ageing Victoria. Marjorie Green lives in the south-west of Brisbane and is a peer educator with the Council on the Ageing Queensland.

What do seniors want to know about medicines?

Maree Jeffs: They ask lots of questions about the differences between generic medicines and the brand prescribed by their doctor, because many of them are quite suspicious and confused about generic medicines.

Older people also want to know what they should do if they have forgotten, or think they have forgotten, a dose of their medicine.

Marjorie Green: The question that comes up most is 'What is the difference between the medicine the doctor prescribes and a generic medicine?'.

They also want to know what things might interact with their medicines. Of course, we can't answer those questions because we're not qualified, so we tell them to ask their doctor or pharmacist.

What do people learn for the first time?

Maree Jeffs: Many of them are not aware of the range of products that we define as medicines. In particular, they often don't think of creams, patches and suppositories as being medicines. Nor, do they tend to be aware that all medicines may interact with other medicines. For example, they may not be aware that the anti-inflammatory cream rubbed into their skin is a medicine that is partially absorbed into the bloodstream and as such may interact with their other medicines.

Maree Jeffs, peer educator from Victoria

Many people have never heard of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), but when they hear about them, they are very interested, both for themselves and for others. Those who have had an HMR think they are valuable.

Most seniors have never seen a Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet. When we say that they are given out by the pharmacist every time a new medicine is prescribed, we are met with blank looks. We have to spend quite a bit of time explaining what a CMI is and the benefits of reading it.

Many seniors have not thought about expiry dates of medicines, how they should be stored, or when they should be taken relative to meals.

Marjorie Green: Many people don't realise that medicines are not only prescription medicines, and that medications, such as ointments and herbal remedies, they buy from pharmacies, health food shops and supermarkets are also medicines that may interact with the medicines they take by mouth.

Marjorie Green, peer educator from Queensland

Much of what we tell people are things they already know, because we don't tell them anything new. Rather, we help them use the information they already have. However, one thing many of them have not come across is a Webster pack (packaging that organises every dose of a person's medicine in separate blister bubbles).

They are often aware of Consumer Medicine Information leaflets (CMIs) only as instructions that go with a medicine. However, like other instructions, they often don't bother reading them unless they really have to. We draw CMIs to their attention, and tell them about their contents and how to use them. We point out that they contain information about possible side effects and interactions with other medicines.

Most have not heard of Medicines Line. When we tell them about it, they are impressed that they can talk to qualified pharmacists. They usually go away saying they will make use of the service.

What do people gain from the sessions?

Maree Jeffs: Empowerment would be the big thing. By that, I mean they feel they have more control and input into their consultations with their doctors and pharmacists, and are more likely to ask questions and discuss things with them. They have a greater awareness of what constitutes a medicine and the possible side effects and interactions of medicines. They are also more aware of the resources available: Consumer Medicine Information leaflets, Home Medicines Reviews, Medicines Line, medication organisers, etc.

Marjorie Green: I can't say for sure, but I hope they are using their medicines more thoughtfully, and storing them properly, taking note of expiry dates, using Home Medicines Reviews, etc.

I also hope they become more active partners with their doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals, and talk to them, ask questions, and listen to and understand the answers.

A speaker for your group?

Would your group like someone to come to one of your meetings, and talk about the quality use of medicines for older people? The sessions are interesting and informative with plenty of time for discussion. They usually last about 1-2 hours. You could be a group of older people who belong to a service club, social club or hobby group, or just a group of friends, retirement village residents or people who attend a local health service or whatever.

Trained peer educators are available to come to meetings in most parts of Australia. Contact the Seniors Peer Educator Coordinator in your state or territory.