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Effectiveness of different medication management approaches on elders' medication adherence
J E Winland-Brown1, J Valiante
1College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. winbrown@fau.edu
Outcomes Management for Nursing Practice
|March 20, 2002
Summary
A pilot study found that a voice-activated medication management system significantly improved medication adherence in older adults compared to traditional pillboxes or self-administration. This approach reduced missed doses and healthcare utilization, highlighting its potential for elder care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Nursing
Background:
- Medication mismanagement is a significant issue in the elder population.
- Older adults face challenges with medication adherence due to various factors.
- Effective medication management strategies are crucial for maintaining health and reducing healthcare costs in seniors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of three distinct medication management approaches on adherence and resource utilization among community-dwelling older adults.
- To compare the effectiveness of a pillbox method, a voice-activated system, and self-administration on medication adherence.
- To assess the influence of different medication management strategies on healthcare resource utilization, including physician visits and hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 61 participants in an independent elder community in South Florida.
- Random assignment of participants to one of three groups: pillbox, voice-activated, or self-administration (control).
- Measurement of medication adherence through recorded doses ingested and impact on medical diagnoses (e.g., hypertension control); assessment of healthcare resource utilization via medical records.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in the mean number of missed medication doses.
- The voice-activated group demonstrated the fewest missed doses, while the self-administration group had the highest.
- Participants in the self-administration group experienced more frequent physician office visits and hospitalizations.
Conclusions:
- The voice-activated medication management approach proved most effective in improving medication adherence among older adults in this pilot study.
- Self-administration of medications was associated with poorer adherence and increased healthcare resource utilization.
- Nurses play a vital role in identifying at-risk older adults and implementing interventions to enhance medication adherence.
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