A review of interventions used to improve adherence to medication in older people

Abstract

Background Medication mismanagement is a continuous problem particularly in older people. Numerous interventions have been developed and tested in an attempt to improve adherence with medication in this client group. Objectives This review aimed to examine the simple to complex interventions that have been used to assess and improve adherence with medication in older people. Design An extensive review of the literature was performed and 20 relevant research papers and one report were chosen. Findings Research papers were evaluated according to design, RCTs were analysed using the JADAD scoring system, systematic reviews and reviews of the literature were reviewed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and subjected to a narrative analysis. This process assisted the development to emerging themes. Four themes were developed: patient barriers, health professional involvement, and health related outcomes and formation giving. Conclusions The salient findings of the review infer that there is no clear definition of non-adherent behaviour. Quantitative interventions fail to assess patient choice in relation to medication taking. Pharmacist-driven interventions are resource intensive. Health care outcomes and clinical effectiveness are seldom addressed in interventions. Among the many difficulties encountered when attempting to use interventions to promote adherence with medication in older people is their perceptions and beliefs, the appropriateness of the medicines prescribed as well as the impact of lifestyle patterns: smoking, alcohol and diet. Many intervention studies are of poor quality and do not include a theoretical framework to underpin the interventions being used. More focused research is needed to improve understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the complexities of adherence with medication in older people. In-depth qualitative studies can be used to develop such theory. In addition, the quality of intervention research can be improved by the inclusion of a research framework such as the Medical Research Council model.