Children are frequently not present at pharmacies during prescription pick-up; however, children and parents are comfortable with and receptive to pediatric medication counseling by pharmacists. Interactive and educational technologies need to be developed and used by pharmacists to facilitate counseling and educate children about the effective and safe use of medicines.

ObjectivesTo examine older adults’ perspectives regarding managing sleep problems through selection and use of non‐prescription sleep aids, and the role of pharmacists.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted from May to June 2015 with 116 individuals aged ≥60 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants reported in a previous survey to have used at least one non‐prescription sleep aid in the past 30 days and were willing to participate in a follow‐up interview. Interview guides were designed to elicit perspectives of sleep problems, selection and use of non‐prescription sleep aids, and consultation with healthcare professionals. Interview transcripts underwent content analysis.Key findingsFour themes emerged as follows: experiences with sleep problems, selection of non‐prescription sleep aids, non‐prescription sleep aid use and interactions with healthcare professionals. Over half of participants reported using a non‐prescription sleep aid for >1 year, were satisfied with its use and perceived it improved sleep quality. Participants commonly used an antihistamine‐only sleep aid; 36% of participants self‐recommended their sleep aid; and 16% of participants consulted healthcare professionals. Few participants read medication dosage labels (22%), side effects or warnings (19%), and many reported they disregarded directions. Participants did not typically consult pharmacists about sleep problems (65%) but perceived that they could assist with medication concerns.ConclusionsAlthough most participants had favourable perceptions of non‐prescription sleep aids, older adults may be inappropriately using non‐prescription sleep aids to self‐manage sleep problems by frequently disregarding medication labels and directions for safe use. Also, few older adults are discussing their sleep aid selection and use with pharmacists.

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