A Portal-Based Intervention (PATTERN) Designed to Support Medication Use Among Older Adults: Feasibility and...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Primary Care

Background:

• Poor medication adherence is a significant public health issue in older adults with multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy.
• Existing interventions often employ a one-size-fits-all or resource-intensive approach, unsuitable for busy primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Phenotyping Adherence Through Technology-Enabled Reports and Navigation (PATTERN) intervention.
• PATTERN is a portal-based system designed to monitor self-reported medication adherence challenges in older primary care patients.

Main Methods:

• A patient randomized study with a posttest design was conducted.
• Participants aged 60+ with ≥8 chronic conditions were enrolled. Those randomized to PATTERN received a medication adherence assessment via their patient portal prior to their physician visit.
• Data were collected through patient self-reports and electronic health records, with analysis including descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• 64 participants were enrolled (32 usual care, 32 intervention). The average age was 75 years, and most participants were female and identified as White.
• While 80% reported frequent patient portal use, only 47% of PATTERN participants completed the medication adherence assessment.
• Among those who completed the assessment and recalled it, high satisfaction was reported (60% very satisfied).

Conclusions:

• The PATTERN intervention demonstrates potential for improving medication adherence monitoring in older adults with multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy.
• Further adaptations are necessary to enhance patient portal engagement and assessment completion rates for successful implementation.