Medication Management Strategies to Support Medication Adherence: Interview Study With Older Adults

• DOI: 10.2196/53513
• Publication Date: 2024-06-20T17:23:02Z
• Authors: Lisa Gualtieri; Mathilda Rigby; Deelia Wang; Elaine Mann
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Medication Adherence; Medication therapy management

Background Home medication management has been insufficiently studied, including the factors that impact development and effectiveness of adherence strategies under both routine anomalous circumstances. Older adults are a particularly important population to study due greater likelihood taking in combination with desire “age place.” Objective This interview aims understand how older develop strategies, identify when why such succeed or fail, learn more about think their medication, explore interventions increase adherence. Methods used qualitative, semistructured design elicit adults’ experiences home management. Overall, 22 participants aged ≥50 years 1 3 prescription medications were recruited interviewed. Interview responses recorded, thematic, qualitative analysis was performed by reviewing recordings identifying recurring patterns themes. Responses systematically coded, which not only facilitated identification these themes but also allowed us quantify prevalence behaviors perceptions, providing robust understanding Results Participants reported developing on own, none receiving guidance from health care providers 59% (13/22) using trial error. The developed all unique generally encompassed vitamins supplements, no demarcation between what prescribed recommended physician they selected independently. thought chemical name (10/22, 45%), appearance pill (8/22, 36%), medication’s purpose (2/22, 9%), generic 9%). Pill cases (17/22, 77%) popular than bottles (5/22, 23%) for storage daily medication. Most (19/22, 86%) stored visible locations home, those varied refill routines. ≥2 routines objects as triggers take Nonadherence associated disruption routine. Finally, 14% (3/22) time-based reminder alarm, device app. Conclusions our considerably remember well cases. To reduce error establishing strategy, there opportunities physicians pharmacists provide adults. minimize disruptions adherence, durable aids leverage established