Objective: To evaluate elderly polypharmacy patients' needs and concerns regarding medication through the Structured Patient-Pharmacist Consultation (SPPC).
Methods: Older patients on chronic treatment with ≥5 medications were asked to fill in the SPPC form at home. A consultation with the community pharmacist, structured according to patient's answers, followed within 2-4 weeks. Logistic regression associated patients' individual treatment with care issues and consultation outcomes.
Results: Out of 440 patients, 39.5% experienced problems, and 46.1% had concerns about medication use. 122 patients reported reasons for discontinuing treatment. The main outcome of the consultation was a better understanding of medication use (75.5%). Side effects and/or non-adherence were identified in 50% of patients, and 26.6% were referred to the doctor. Atrial fibrillation, COPD, anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, and beta agonists/corticosteroids were associated with problems during medication use. Patients with diabetes improved their understanding of medication use significantly.
Conclusion: Patients on benzodiazepines, anticoagulants, and beta agonists/corticosteroids, with atrial fibrillation and/or COPD, may have a higher potential for non-adherence. Counseling patients based on the SPPC model may be particularly useful for patients with diabetes.
Practice implications: The SPPC model is a useful tool for counseling based on patient needs.
Keywords: Adherence; Community pharmacy; Elderly patients; Medication use; Poly-pharmacy; Structured patient-pharmacist consultation model.
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