Abstract
This study sought to understand the medication adherence and quality of life (QOL) of recipients of a pharmacist-based medication management program among independently living older adults. Using a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study design, we compared older adults enrolled in the program to older adults not enrolled in the program. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews in independent-living facilities and in participants’ homes. Independently living older adults who were enrolled in the medication management program (n = 38) were compared to older adults not enrolled in the program (control group (n = 41)). All participants were asked to complete questionnaires on health-related quality of life (QOL, using the SF-36) and medication adherence (using the four-item Morisky scale). The medication management program recipients reported significantly more prescribed medications (p < 0.0001) and were more likely to report living alone (p = 0.01) than the control group. The medication management program recipients had a significantly lower SF-36 physical functioning score (p = 0.03) compared to the control group, although other SF-36 domains and self-reported medication adherence were similar between the groups. Despite taking more medications and more commonly living alone, independent living older adults enrolled in a pharmacist-based medication management program had similar QOL and self-reported medication adherence when compared to older adults not enrolled in the program. This study provides initial evidence for the characteristics of older adults receiving a pharmacist-based medication management program, which may contribute to prolonged independent living and positive health outcomes.
Highlights
Community pharmacists generally see patients with chronic medical conditions at least monthly, at the time medications are refilled
Pharmacy 2017, 5, 20 knowledge and adherence [1]; little is known about the population that participates in pharmacist interventions, and this is especially true in the older adult population
Services were only offered to residents at that one facility; over time, the program grew to include patients living in other facilities, and patients living in their own homes
Summary
Community pharmacists generally see patients with chronic medical conditions at least monthly, at the time medications are refilled This regular interaction places pharmacists in a unique position to monitor and manage medications for older adults. Reviews assessing pharmacist interventions with older patients to improve health outcomes, QOL, adherence, and cost-effective care provide mixed findings and suggest further research is needed [3,4]. Despite findings from these systematic reviews, it is clear that regular interaction and medication management provide pharmacists with the opportunity to circumvent many drug therapy problems in older adults, thereby easing patient, family, and caregiver burden. Patients who have more medications in their home are more likely to have increased severity of their illnesses and are at higher risk for therapeutic duplications [6]
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