Care transitions: a leverage point for safe and effective medication use in older adults--a mini-review

Gerontology. 2015;61(1):32-40. doi: 10.1159/000363765. Epub 2014 Sep 30.

Abstract

Older adults often face challenges as they transition out of the acute care hospital, especially with regard to adhering to their medications. In this narrative review, we discuss medication adherence in older adults across the continuum of care, describing reasons for nonadherence, methods to assess adherence and tools to improve adherence, with particular focus on emerging techniques and technologies. Taking steps at care transitions to assess medications and foster adherence to the medication regimen can increase the safety of older adults following hospitalization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Medication Reconciliation*
  • Patient Discharge*
  • Patient Handoff*