Related Experiment Videos
[Drug compliance in the elderly: determinants and support].
M-P Schneider1, J-F Locca, O Bugnon
1Policlinique médicale universitaire 1011 Lausanne. Marie-Paule.Schneider@hospvd.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|April 7, 2006
Summary
Promoting medication adherence in elderly patients requires addressing individual barriers and involving them in treatment decisions. A multidisciplinary healthcare team approach is crucial for successful drug adherence strategies.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Pharmacology
- Health psychology
Context:
- Elderly patients often manage multiple medications (polypharmacy), increasing the risk of non-adherence.
- Numerous barriers, including patient beliefs and functional limitations, impede consistent medication adherence.
- Effective adherence strategies are essential for managing chronic conditions in older adults.
Purpose:
- To highlight the importance of promoting drug adherence in elderly patients on multiple medications.
- To identify key barriers to medication adherence in this demographic.
- To propose a comprehensive, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary approach to improve adherence.
Summary:
- Addressing individual patient beliefs, life expectations, and treatment understanding is vital.
- Proactive communication using open-ended questions by healthcare providers facilitates adherence.
- Assessing and managing functional and organizational barriers throughout treatment is necessary.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, pharmacists, and nurses enhances adherence outcomes.
Impact:
- Improved therapeutic outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients with chronic conditions.
- Reduced healthcare costs associated with medication non-adherence and its complications.
- Enhanced patient-provider relationships through shared decision-making and tailored adherence support.