Medication Adherence In Older Patients Research Articles

Motivational interviewing to support medication adherence in older patients: Barriers and facilitators for implementing in hospital setting according to healthcare professionals

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to understand through Healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) opinions the barriers and facilitators to implement MI in older hospitalized patients. MethodsA qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was performed among 23 HCPs involved in the medication management of older hospitalized patients (geriatricians, nurses, psychologists and pharmacists). A thematic analysis was conducted using a deductive approach through the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF), and an inductive approach. ResultsThe thematic analysis reported 25 factors influencing MI implementation, mapped into 8 TDF themes, and including 13 facilitators, 8 barriers, and 4 both. The main factors identified were: ‘cognitive and sensory disorders’ (barrier), ‘having dedicated time and HCPs’ (facilitator and barrier), and the ‘HCP’s awareness about MI’ (facilitator). Ten factors were identified as specific to the older population. ConclusionsImplementing MI in a hospital setting with older patients presented both barriers and facilitators. Practice implicationsTo ensure successful MI implementation, it is important to take into account the older patients’ context, the hospital environment, and the HCPs-related factors.

Mediation effect of self-neglect in family resilience and medication adherence in older patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with regular dialysis treatment for more than 3 months are called maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The degree of patients' adherence with the doctor's advice to take medicine on time is called medication adherence, which is very important for the control of the disease and the improvement of the quality of life for MHD patients. Living alone, lack of communication with children and self-neglect are risk factors for medication adherence in the older adults. Inappropriate substance use behaviors are common among older adults with self-neglect. Family resilience denotes the ability of a family to retain the stability of its structure by relying on its internal and external resources when facing a difficult situation. Family resilience entails the combination of family beliefs, interaction styles, problem-solving skills, and emotional communication which reflect supportive and positive psychological adjustment effects to benefit older persons. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for clinical intervention level to improve medication adherence of older patients on MHD through examineing the correlation among family resilience, self-neglect, and medication adherence based on the self-reports. A random sampling method was used to gather information from 632 older patients receiving MHD treatment in Hemodialysis Center of Hunan Province between July to December 2021. For this purpose, a self-designed demographic questionnaire, the Family Resilience Questionnaire (FRQ), the Scale of the Elderly Self-Neglect (SESN), and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 (MMAS-4) were used to investigate the questionnaire data of the participants. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between family resilience, self-neglect, and medication adherence in older patients and gain insight into their current status. AMOS 24.0 was used for mediation modeling. Bootstrap mediation effect test was used to evaluate the mediation effect among the 3 variables. The questionnaires survey showed that the scores of FRQ, SESN, and MMAS-4 were 78.60±12.49, 7.99±5.60, and 5.93±1.40, respectively; and the medication adherence rate was 18.8%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that family resilience was negatively correlated with self-neglect (r=-0.432, P<0.001), and was positively correlated with medication adherence (r=0.169, P<0.001). Self-neglect was negatively correlated with medication adherence (r=-0.217, P<0.001). Mediating effect analysis showed that the total effect of family resilience on medication adherence was significant (β=0.214, 95% CI 0.121 to 0.313, P<0.001), and the direct effect was not significant (β=0.058, 95% CI -0.073 to 0.187, P>0.05). Self-neglect played a major mediating effect between family resilience and medication adherence (β=0.156, 95% CI 0.088 to 0.240, P<0.001). Family resilience, self-neglect, and medication adherence among older patients on MHD are significantly related, with family resilience primarily influencing medication adherence indirectly through self-neglect.

Validation and adaption of an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of medication adherence in older patients with multimorbidity

ObjectiveTo test and adapt the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in explaining medication adherence for older patients with multimorbidity. MethodsOlder patients with at least three chronic conditions (N = 254) were recruited from community health centers in Changsha, China. All participants completed a self-administrated questionnaire assessing adherence information, personal motivation, social motivation, behavioral skills, medication adherence, depressive symptoms, medication treatment satisfaction, treatment burden, and disease burden. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized models and relationships between variables. ResultsThe final extended IMB model could explain 52.0% of the variance in adherence. Personal motivation (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), behavioral skills (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), and medication treatment satisfaction (β = 0.23, p = 0.001) had a positive direct effect on adherence. Information, social motivation, personal motivation, medication treatment satisfaction, and treatment burden could also affect adherence indirectly through multiple pathways. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that an extended IMB model could be used to conceptualize determinants of medication adherence among older patients with multimorbidity. Practical implicationsAdherence improvement programs might be more effective if targeting psychosocial factors, including adherence information, motivation, behavioral skills, treatment burden, and medication treatment satisfaction.

Social Support and Self-Efficacy as Mediating Factors Affecting the Association Between Depression and Medication Adherence in Older Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Multiple Mediator Model with a Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeMedication non-adherence is a major public health issue. Recent evidence suggests that depression, inadequate social support, and lower levels of self-efficacy are associated with poor medication adherence. However, the mechanism underlying the association among depression, social support, self-efficacy and medication adherence is unclear. This study aims to examine the mediating role of social support and self-efficacy between depression and medication adherence in older patients with coronary heart disease.Patients and MethodsData were collected from 238 hospitalized older patients with coronary heart disease. Depression, social support, self-efficacy, and medication adherence were assessed using structured questionnaires. A serial multiple mediation model was tested using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.ResultsA total of 238 older patients with CHD with a mean age of 70.5 years were involved in this cross-sectional study. Depression was negatively correlated with medication adherence in older patients with coronary heart disease. Social support and self-efficacy were positively associated with medication adherence, and fully mediated the relationship between depression and medication adherence. Three mediation paths were included in the model: (a) social support, (b) chain combination of social support and self-efficacy, and (c) self-efficacy.ConclusionSocial support and self-efficacy explain the association of depression and medication adherence in older CHD patients and may be the keys target for enhanced intervention to improve medication adherence in older CHD patients with depression.

Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to medication adherence of older patients with coronary heart disease in China

ObjectivesTo investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to medication adherence in older patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). MethodsA total of 272 older patients with CHD were investigated by the Chinese version of the Medication Adherence Scale. The score ranges for the knowledge, attitudes, and barrier subscales were 0–30, 0–30, and 0–110, respectively. Higher scores indicate more knowledge, positive attitudes, and more barriers related to medication adherence. ResultsThe median scores of knowledge, attitudes and barriers were 25.5, 28, and 8, respectively. Having stents, living alone, good financial status and fewer chronic diseases were related to more knowledge. Younger age, having no stent, and more chronic diseases were associated with more barriers. Patients with good financial status and higher age had more positive attitudes. ConclusionsUnderstanding older patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to medication adherence and their associated factors can help develop tailored interventions in medication adherence studies.

Assessment of Knowledge and reasons for Medication non-Adherence in Ambulatory Elderly Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria

Abstract Introduction Hypertension and type 2 Diabetes mellitus are global health disorders afflicting millions of elderly patients worldwide with an ever-increasing incidence and prevalence. Non-adherence to medications affects the quality and length of life, and has been associated with negative health outcomes and increasing healthcare costs especially in the elderly [1]. Few empirical data exist on the knowledge and medication adherence among elderly patients in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Aim This study aimed to assess the knowledge, medication adherence, and the factors associated with patient’s knowledge on diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional study of 423 elderly patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, selected consecutively at the Geriatric centre in the University College Teaching Hospital, Ibadan was carried out between October 2019 and January 2020. Socio-demographic information, knowledge of the indication of the medications, possible side effects, and details of medication adherence level with reasons for non-adherence were obtained using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS 23. Alpha was set at 0.05. Results The mean age (±SD) of the older patients was 69.6 ± 6.4 years and 253 (59.8%) were females. About three-quarter of participants (320; 75.7%) were retired. Majority of the elderly (381; 90.1%) were hypertensive, while 270 (63.8 %) were diabetic, and 85 (20.1%) had multimorbidity of both hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Patients that were non-adherent with their medication were 138 (32.6%). The most common reasons reported for non-adherence included patient slept off (41; 56.6%), pre-occupation (24; 33.1%) and unavailability of medications (12; 16.6%). Thirty-seven (8.7%) participants intentionally missed doses, out of which 22 (59.5%) reported pill burden as its reason for medication non-adherence. All patients 423 (100.0%) knew the indication for their medications and 20 (4.7%) experienced medication-related side effects. Overall, 299 (70.6%) and 309 (73.0%) of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus showed good knowledge about their conditions. Adherence to medication was associated with good knowledge in hypertensive patients (p=0.002), while being male (p=0.002), age-group of 60–69 (p=0.001) and poor adherence (p=0.001) were associated with good knowledge in diabetes mellitus patients. Conclusion We found non-adherence was mainly as a result of patients’ behaviors, attitude, and unavailability of medications which could be the cause of low medication adherence among the elderly patients. A systematic review on factors associated with medication adherence in older patients reported medication review aimed at simplifying regimens and educating patients about their treatment as intervention to improve adherence [2]. Thus, we recommend educational intervention among the elderly patients. The elderly patients demonstrated good knowledge about their conditions and medication. However, the relatively good knowledge did not appear to have significant impact on patient’s adherence to medication. Improvement in medication adherence through interdisciplinary approach may improve clinical outcomes.

A community-based nurse-led medication self-management intervention in the improvement of medication adherence in older patients with multimorbidity: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundOlder patients suffering from multimorbidity are at high risk of medication nonadherence. It has been well established that self-management support is an effective strategy to enhance medication adherence for patients with chronic conditions. However, little is known about the effect of the medication self-management intervention in older patients with multimorbidity. This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led medication self-management intervention in improving medication adherence and health outcomes for community-dwelling older patients with multimorbidity.MethodsThe study protocol follows the recommendations of the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 statement. This study is a multicentre, single-blind, two-arm randomised controlled trial. Older patients with multimorbidity will be recruited from three community health centres in Changsha, China. A total of 136 participants will be randomly allocated to receive usual care or usual care plus the medication self-management intervention. The intervention will be delivered by community nurses. The 6-week intervention includes three face-to-face education sessions and two weekly follow-up phone calls. Participants in the control group continue to receive all respects of usual care offered by community healthcare providers, including chronic disease management, drug prescription, referral to hospital specialists, health education and consultations regarding patients’ diseases and treatments during centre visits. The primary outcome is medication adherence as measured by the 5-item Medication Adherence Report Scale. Secondary outcomes include medication self-management capacity (medication knowledge, medication beliefs, medication social support, medication skills, and medication self-efficacy), treatment experiences (medication treatment satisfaction and treatment burden), quality of life, and utilisation of healthcare services. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 3-month post-intervention.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence about the effectiveness of a medication self-management intervention, delivered by nurses, for older patients with multimorbidity and adherence problems. It is expected that the results of the study, if proven effective in improving patients’ adherence and health outcomes, will provide evidence-based self-management support strategies for healthcare providers in routine chronic disease management in community settings.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at ChiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2000030011; date February 19, 2020).

Turkish community pharmacists' behavioral determinants in provision of pharmaceutical care to elderly patients.

Background It is crucial to develop and implement community pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care services in primary care that could prevent and detect potentially inappropriate prescribing and promote medication adherence in older patients. Objective The aim of this study was to determine community pharmacists' perceived barriers and facilitators face during the provision of pharmaceutical care to older patients by using a theoretical domains framework. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among community pharmacists in Turkey. A Turkish version of the 50-item Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire was developed to evaluate behavioral determinants of community pharmacists on delivering pharmaceutical care to older patients. Main outcome measures The behavioral determinants of community pharmacists. Results A total of 354 community pharmacists answered the questionnaire. The mean age was 43.2 (standard deviation = 11.1), and 227 (64%) of the pharmacists were female. Community pharmacists' positive opinions on pharmaceutical care service outcomes in older patients and feedback were regarded as facilitators. Community pharmacists' motivational level and emotions were additional determinant facilitators in delivering pharmaceutical care to older patients. Their negative opinions on the impact and action of pharmaceutical care in older patients were regarded as barriers. Conclusion In primary health care, a theory-based e-distant training program for community pharmacists and the guidelines for standard pharmaceutical care services led by community pharmacists could be designed by addressing barriers related to the impact and action of pharmaceutical care in older patients.

Effectiveness of Electronic Medication Packaging Devices on Medication Adherence: A Scoping Review.

Poor adherence to complex medication regimens is a global problem that affects the treatment of chronic diseases, which involves polypharmacy and requires long-term administration of medications. The most significant barrier to medication adherence in older adults is patient-related factors. The purpose of this study was to find evidence from the current literature to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic medication packaging (EMP) devices on improving medication adherence in older patients. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, focusing on medication adherence and EMP devices with specific technological features. Search results included studies with experiences of patients with four different devices and various medical conditions. Study results indicated that EMP devices may improve medication adherence in older patients. However, due to insufficient evidence that supports their effectiveness specifically in the aging population, further clinical validation in older adults is recommended to draw strong conclusions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(3), 27-36.].

Influence of Health Literacy on Medication Adherence Among Elderly Females With Type 2 Diabetes in Pakistan.

Health literacy is how well the patients are able to attain, deal with, and understand basic health information. This is particularly important when it comes to comprehending prescribed medication instructions. To improve the communication strategies for health-care professionals during patient counseling, our study aimed to assess the influence of health literacy and medication adherence in older patients. The objectives of the study were to evaluate associations that occur between the level of health literacy and medication adherence. This study used a convenience sampling method of females (older than 60 years) attending the diabetic clinic in two hospital settings (N = 524). All study participants filled three validated questionnaires: these were the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes, the Diabetes Numeracy Test, and a modified Brief Adherence Rating Scale. To assess the spectrum of health literacy differences, we used χ2 analysis and linear regression analysis. Individuals with adequate health literacy were more likely to remember to take their medications compared with those with inadequate health literacy, χ2(4) = 11.6, p = .04. Adequate literacy level study participants were more likely to not change the dose of their medications without medical advice (12.3%) compared with those individuals with inadequate health literacy (2.8%), χ2(4) = 11.13, p = .03. The results in our study suggest that health-care professionals should focus on appropriate communication attuned to the assessment of health literacy levels particularly in older female patients when discussing medication instructions.

Factors associated with medication adherence in older patients: A systematic review.

ObjectiveMedication adherence is a major challenge in the treatment of older patients; however, they are under‐represented in research. We undertook a systematic review focused on older patients to assess the reasons underlying non‐adherence in this population.MethodsWe searched multiple electronic databases for studies reporting reasons for non‐adherence to medication regimens in patients aged 75 years and over. Our results were not limited to specific diseases, health‐care settings, or geographical locations. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. A narrative synthesis of findings was performed.ResultsA total of 25 publications were included, all of which were in community settings. Frequent medication review and knowledge regarding the purpose of the medication were positively associated with adherence. Factors associated with poor adherence were multimorbidity, cognitive impairment, complex regimens with multiple prescribing physicians, and problems with drug storage or formulation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that interventions to improve adherence could focus on medication review aimed at simplifying regimens and educating patients about their treatment. Groups with poor adherence that may benefit most from such a model include patients with multiple comorbidities and cognitive impairment.

Approach to the Geriatric Patient

As of 2012, over one in eight Americans is over the age of 65, and this number is rising, particularly in the 85+ age group. This segment of the population has a rate of hospitalization three times higher than that for persons of all ages. General internists and family medicine physicians provide a large portion of care for this age group and should therefore be comfortable using a comprehensive approach to geriatric assessment. This review describes general considerations regarding geriatric care, including the process of taking a functional history and clinical implications of geriatric care. The geriatric assessment process is discussed in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and medical domains. The benefits of geriatric assessment in primary care, specialty care, and hospitalized patients are described. Tables outline activities of daily living, sensory changes with aging, major causes of visual impairment in the geriatric population, major neurocognitive disorder diagnostic criteria, medications to avoid or use with caution based on Beers criteria and Screening Tool of Older individuals’ Potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force–recommended services relevant to older adults, and vaccinations in older adults. Figures illustrate the key vulnerabilities of older adults; outcomes linked to functional dependence; common disorders associated with cognitive concerns; domains of cognition and examples of impairment in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition; the social and medical domains of geriatric assessment; barriers to medication adherence in older patients; and resources for medication appropriateness in older adults. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 110 references, and 5 MCQs.

Approach to the Geriatric Patient

As of 2012, over one in eight Americans is over the age of 65, and this number is rising, particularly in the 85+ age group. This segment of the population has a rate of hospitalization three times higher than that for persons of all ages. General internists and family medicine physicians provide a large portion of care for this age group and should therefore be comfortable using a comprehensive approach to geriatric assessment. This review describes general considerations regarding geriatric care, including the process of taking a functional history and clinical implications of geriatric care. The geriatric assessment process is discussed in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and medical domains. The benefits of geriatric assessment in primary care, specialty care, and hospitalized patients are described. Tables outline activities of daily living, sensory changes with aging, major causes of visual impairment in the geriatric population, major neurocognitive disorder diagnostic criteria, medications to avoid or use with caution based on Beers criteria and Screening Tool of Older individuals’ Potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force–recommended services relevant to older adults, and vaccinations in older adults. Figures illustrate the key vulnerabilities of older adults; outcomes linked to functional dependence; common disorders associated with cognitive concerns; domains of cognition and examples of impairment in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition; the social and medical domains of geriatric assessment; barriers to medication adherence in older patients; and resources for medication appropriateness in older adults. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 110 references, and 5 MCQs.

Medication Adherence in Older Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Older patients with dementia are often unable to take their medications as prescribed due to cognitive and physical impairment. Objectives: To review the evidence on medication adherence in older patients with dementia in terms of the level of adherence, outcomes, contributing factors, and available interventions. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searched databases included CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, MEDLINE, and PubMed. Results: Eighteen studies reported levels of medication adherence or discontinuation and related factors. Medication adherence ranged from 17% to 42%, and medication discontinuation before the end of treatment ranged from 37% to 80%. Nonadherence was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or death, while increasing age, choice of medication, use of concomitant medications, and medicines’ costs were reported to decrease medication adherence. Telehealth home monitoring and treatment modification were the only interventions reported in the literature to improve medication adherence in this population. Conclusion: Older patients with dementia have a low level of medication adherence. Future research should focus on the development and implementation of interventions to help older patients with dementia and their caregivers make better use of medications.

Approach to the Geriatric Patient

As of 2012, over one in eight Americans is over the age of 65, and this number is rising, particularly in the 85+ age group. This segment of the population has a rate of hospitalization three times higher than that for persons of all ages. General internists and family medicine physicians provide a large portion of care for this age group and should therefore be comfortable using a comprehensive approach to geriatric assessment. This review describes general considerations regarding geriatric care, including the process of taking a functional history and clinical implications of geriatric care. The geriatric assessment process is discussed in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and medical domains. The benefits of geriatric assessment in primary care, specialty care, and hospitalized patients are described. Tables outline activities of daily living, sensory changes with aging, major causes of visual impairment in the geriatric population, major neurocognitive disorder diagnostic criteria, medications to avoid or use with caution based on Beers criteria and Screening Tool of Older individuals’ Potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force–recommended services relevant to older adults, and vaccinations in older adults. Figures illustrate the key vulnerabilities of older adults; outcomes linked to functional dependence; common disorders associated with cognitive concerns; domains of cognition and examples of impairment in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition; the social and medical domains of geriatric assessment; barriers to medication adherence in older patients; and resources for medication appropriateness in older adults. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 110 references, and 5 MCQs.

Depression and medication adherence among older Korean patients with hypertension: Mediating role of self-efficacy.

Many studies have reported the negative effects of depression on adherence to antihypertensive medication. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying this relationship in elderly patients with hypertension. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between depression and medication adherence among older patients with hypertension. The data were collected from October to December 2014. A total of 255 older patients with hypertension were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale, and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis and the Sobel test were used to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between depression and medication adherence. Depression and self-efficacy were statistically significant predictors of medication adherence in older patients with hypertension. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between depression and medication adherence. Interventions targeting self-efficacy could increase the confidence of patients in their ability to actively take their medicines. Moreover, health care providers should be aware of the importance of early detection of depression in older patients with hypertension. Future studies with longitudinal data are warranted to clarify the multidirectional relationships between depression, self-efficacy, and medication adherence.

Can a Multifaceted Intervention Including Motivational Interviewing Improve Medication Adherence, Quality of Life, and Mortality Rates in Older Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial with 18-Month Follow-Up.

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are required to take a complex regimen of medications for extended periods, and they may have negative outcomes because they struggle to adhere to this regimen. Designing effective interventions to promote medication adherence in this patient group is therefore important. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a multifaceted intervention (psycho-education, motivational interviewing, and short message services) on medication adherence, quality of life (QoL), and mortality rates in older patients undergoing CABG surgery. Patients aged over 65years from 12 centers were assigned to the intervention (EXP; n=144) or treatment-as-usual (TAU; n=144) groups using cluster randomization at center level. Medication adherence was evaluated using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), pharmacy refill rate, and lipid profile; QoL was evaluated using Short Form-36. Data were collected at baseline; 3, 6, and 18months after intervention. Survival status was followed up at 18months. Multi-level regressions and survival analyses for hazard ratio (HR) were used for analyses. Compared with patients who received TAU, the MARS, pharmacy refill rate, and lipid profile of patients in the EXP group improved 6months after surgery (p<0.01) and remained so 18months after surgery (p<0.01). QoL also increased among patients in the EXP group as compared with those who received TAU at 18months post-surgery (physical component summary score p=0.02; mental component summary score p=0.04). HR in the EXP group compared with the TAU group was 0.38 (p=0.04). The findings suggest that a multifaceted intervention can improve medication adherence in older patients undergoing CABG surgery, with these improvements being maintained after 18months. QoL and survival rates increased as a function of better medication adherence. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02109523.

A scoping review on medication adherence in older patients with cognitive impairment or dementia

Cognitive impairment is common in older patients, many of whom receive multiple and complex medication regimens. Such patients are at high risk for medication non-adherence. Limited information exists regarding adherence in this population. A scoping review was conducted to explore aspects of medication adherence in this population. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, IPA and Psychinfo was conducted during 1966 to January 2015. Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews was utilized. From an initial 582 citations, 42 research papers and 2 conference proceedings were eligible for review. The prevalence of non-adherence ranged from 2% to 59%. The most common assessment tool was self-reported adherence (32%). Barriers to adherence were cognitive impairment, non-Caucasian race, poor communication with prescribers, lack of social support, and increased pill burden. Interventions to improve adherence included alternate dosage forms, and multi-compartment pillboxes. Additional research is needed to address various gaps in the literature such as studies describing the effects of cognitively impaired caregivers on patient's medication adherence, the comparative effectiveness of different adherence enhancing strategies, development of instruments suitable for use in this population, and the role of pharmacists in identifying and improving medication adherence.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing to improve therapeutic adherence in patients over 65 years old with chronic diseases: A cluster randomized clinical trial in primary care

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in improving medication adherence in older patients being treated by polypharmacy. MethodsCluster randomized clinical trial in 16 primary care centers with 27 health care providers and 154 patients. Thirty-two health care providers were assigned to an experimental (EG) or control group (CG). Interventions: MI training program and review of patient treatments. Providers in the EG carried out MI, whereas those in the CG used an “advice approach”. Three follow-up visits were completed, at 15 days and at 3 and 6 months. Medication adherence in both groups was compared (p<0.05). ResultsPatients recruited: 70/84 (EG/CG). Mean age: 76 years; female: 68.8%. The proportion of subjects changing to adherence was 7.6% higher in the EG (p<0.001). Therapeutic adherence was higher for patients in the EG (OR=2.84), women (OR=0.24) and those with high educational levels (OR=3.93). ConclusionA face-to-face motivational approach in primary care helps elderly patients with chronic diseases who are being treated by polypharmacy to achieve an improved level of treatment adherence than traditional strategies of providing information and advice. Practice implicationsMI is a patient-centered approach that can be used to improve medication adherence in primary care.Trial registration: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01291966)

Approach to the Geriatric Patient

As of 2012, over one in eight Americans is over the age of 65, and this number is rising, particularly in the 85+ age group. This segment of the population has a rate of hospitalization three times higher than that for persons of all ages. General internists and family medicine physicians provide a large portion of care for this age group and should therefore be comfortable using a comprehensive approach to geriatric assessment. This review describes general considerations regarding geriatric care, including the process of taking a functional history and clinical implications of geriatric care. The geriatric assessment process is discussed in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and medical domains. The benefits of geriatric assessment in primary care, specialty care, and hospitalized patients are described. Tables outline activities of daily living, sensory changes with aging, major causes of visual impairment in the geriatric population, major neurocognitive disorder diagnostic criteria, medications to avoid or use with caution based on Beers criteria and Screening Tool of Older individuals’ Potentially inappropriate Prescriptions criteria, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force–recommended services relevant to older adults, and vaccinations in older adults. Figures illustrate the key vulnerabilities of older adults; outcomes linked to functional dependence; common disorders associated with cognitive concerns; domains of cognition and examples of impairment in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition; the social and medical domains of geriatric assessment; barriers to medication adherence in older patients; and resources for medication appropriateness in older adults. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 110 references, and 5 MCQs.