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Physician-patient congruence regarding medication regimens
R M Bikowski1, C M Ripsin, V L Lorraine
1Portsmouth Family Medicine and Eastern Virginia Medical School, 23707, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|March 14, 2002
Summary
Physician and patient understanding of medication regimens often differs significantly in older adults. This disparity highlights a crucial gap in communication and adherence for effective geriatric healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Patient Communication
Background:
- Accurate medication management is vital for older adults, a population often managing multiple chronic conditions.
- Discrepancies between physician and patient understanding of medication regimens can lead to non-adherence and adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the extent of disagreement between physicians' and older patients' perceptions of medication regimens.
- To identify specific areas of disparity in medication details, including drug, dosage, and frequency.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted in a community family medicine setting.
- Fifty physician-patient pairs (patients aged 65+, taking ≥4 medications) were analyzed.
- Trained medical students conducted home visits to collect medication data, comparing it with physician records.
Main Results:
- Overall congruence between physician and patient regarding medication regimens averaged 70% for faculty and 58% for residents.
- Complete congruence was observed in only 14% of pairs.
- Significant discrepancies were found in 74% of pairs, involving unrecorded medications or medications not part of the regimen, and 12% had dose/frequency issues.
Conclusions:
- A substantial disparity exists between physicians' and older patients' understanding of medication regimens.
- Addressing these communication gaps is critical for improving medication adherence and patient safety in geriatric care.
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