Older adults' strategies to prevent episodic medication non-adherence: results from a qualitative study

Anna Maria Dworakowska; Adrianna Aniszewska; Małgorzata Kozłowska-Wojciechowska

doi:10.1007/s41999-018-00156-y

Older adults' strategies to prevent episodic medication non-adherence: results from a qualitative study

Eur Geriatr Med. 2019 Apr;10(2):327-330. doi: 10.1007/s41999-018-00156-y. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Authors

Anna Maria Dworakowska¹, Adrianna Aniszewska², Małgorzata Kozłowska-Wojciechowska²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland. anna.dworakowska@wum.edu.pl.
² Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.

PMID: 34652751
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-018-00156-y

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore methods and routines used by older adults to remember to take medications.

Methods: The study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with a convenient sample of older people, who take at least one medication for the treatment of a chronic condition. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data.

Results: Participants (10 men and 28 women, mean age: 79.5) described the methods that aid them in remembering to take their medications. The study identified three content categories: incorporation of medication habits into daily schedule and routine, use of medication aids; and assistance and support from family.

Conclusion: Older people have less difficulty taking their medication regularly if it becomes another habit as part of a daily routine. Health-care professionals should promote various methods to support medication management.