Enhancing teachers’ medication literacy and teaching through school–pharmacist partnership in Taiwan

Objective: Adolescents in Taiwan generally have a low level of knowledge concerning medications. This study evaluates a school–pharmacist partnership in Taiwan and describes the impact this association has on enhancing teachers’ medication literacy and on their compliance with imparting this information to their students. Method: In 2013, the results from baseline and follow-up self-administered online structured questionnaire surveys received from 358 teachers in intervention primary and middle schools were compared with those received from 452 teachers in comparative primary and middle schools. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE), regression analyses, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects. Results: The results indicated that the partnership between schools and pharmacists had significantly enhanced teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and skills concerning correct medication usage and pain medication literacy. In addition, the implementation of the school–pharmacist partnership had also significantly increased teachers’ participation in the teaching of the proper uses of medication and in their implementation of school campaigns. Conclusion: The school–pharmacist partnership had a positive impact on enhancing teachers’ medication literacy and participation in medication teaching in Taiwan.