Assessment of geriatric patients' functional ability to take medication

The abilities of 93 geriatric patients (inpatients and outpatients) to perform medication-taking skills were assessed. These skills included the ability to read and interpret prescription labels, open and close vials, remove tablets, and identify tablet colors. The educational level and cognitive capacity using Jacobs' Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE) was determined. The average age was 74.3 +/- 10.1 years. Eighty-nine of our participants were male. Age and educational level did not affect functional abilities. Fewer outpatients had problems interpreting prescription label directions than did inpatients. Patients who managed their own medications were more likely to be able to read and interpret labels, remove tablets, and identify colors (p less than 0.05). Patients with CCSE scores less than 20, indicating cognitive impairment, were less likely to correctly read and interpret labels and differentiate colors than patients without impairment. Motor skills (opening/closing vials, removing tablets) were not related to cognitive status. This functional tool was easily administered and was useful in the assessment of medication-taking skills in geriatric patients.