Individualized drug use assessment in the elderly.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Safe and effective medication management is crucial for seniors.
• Factors influencing medication adherence in older adults require further investigation.
• Understanding the impact of cognitive function and socioeconomic status on medication safety is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the correlation between seniors' ability to safely take oral prescription drugs and various factors.
• To identify demographic, cognitive, and socioeconomic predictors of safe medication practices in the elderly.
• To assess the utility of the MedTake test in evaluating medication adherence and safety.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in retirement communities and an adult day care center.
• Fifty-seven elderly individuals (mean age 79.49) participated.
• The MedTake test assessed dosage, indication, coingestion, and regimen, with a pharmacist providing follow-up risk assessment.

Main Results:

• The composite MedTake test score averaged 88.5%.
• Cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) and socioeconomic status (Medicaid assistance) were significant predictors of safe drug taking.
• Underdosing of cardiovascular drugs was the most frequent issue identified.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive function and socioeconomic status significantly impact seniors' ability to safely manage oral medications.
• The MedTake test identified some adherence issues, but pharmacist evaluation revealed additional clinically significant problems in 20% of subjects.
• Interventions targeting cognitive support and socioeconomic factors may improve medication safety in older adults.