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BackgroundEach year, medication-related adverse events account for over 1 million emergency department visits according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Medication therapy management (MTM), a service most commonly performed by health professionals, identifies and resolves medication-related problems and has been shown to both reduce healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes. Objective: The objective of our project was to expand the use of MTM by developing a training program for health professionals to increase medication adherence for low-income patients at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) specifically targeting individuals with hypertension and diabetes. Methods: A needs assessment survey was developed and administered to licensed pharmacists across the state of Florida. Based on the results of the survey, an MTM training program was developed to support pharmacists who serve patients with hypertension and diabetes. The second phase included a pre-assessment administered to the FQHC. The training program was modified based on responses to the pre-assessment. Results: Based on the FQHC pre-assessment, the team developed MTM support training for health professionals that included 7 modules. These modules were Principles of Chronic Disease Self-Management, Team-Based Care, Client Self-Advocacy, Health Equity, Cultural Competency, Social Determinants of Health, and the Benefits of MTM Services. Conclusion: Expanding MTM support training to other health professionals is expected to provide greater access to chronic disease management support, improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care for patients. It is also expected over time to reduce the demand for additional chronic disease-related services.

Objective: This research examines health information (HI) seeking and use among middle-aged and older adults with chronic health conditions., Method: We used logistic regression models to analyze HI seeking ( N = 7,822) and use (N = 4,541-4,547) among participants (aged 45+ years) with chronic conditions from the nationally-representative Health Tracking Household Survey., Results: Adults aged 45+ years with chronic conditions were significantly more likely to seek and use HI; however, these results varied based on the age and education. Compared with Whites, Latinos were less likely to seek HI but more likely to use HI to treat illness, and African Americans were more likely to use HI to maintain health., Conclusion: Middle-aged and older adults with chronic conditions are prominent HI seekers and users. Proficient HI seeking and use may have the potential to enhance control over one's own health, maintain independence in the community, and reduce the impact of negative health consequences on the health care system.