The effectiveness of four education strategies in the elderly

A study was designed for practitioners wishing to provide comprehensive educational services to the elderly. The effectiveness of four methods (i.e., oral instructions alone or in combination with written information, a medication reminder calendar, or a medication reminder package) of changing patient attitudes, drug knowledge, and compliance behavior was measured in 158 ambulatory cardiovascular patients using a randomized, controlled, single-blind design. The results indicate that drug knowledge will most likely be improved by a strategy that provides small amounts of specific information, thereby reducing the possibility of overwhelming the patient. Noncompliance behavior caused by forgetfulness can be best improved by combining a reminder aid with oral reinforcement. The high levels of motivation present in these patients indicate that improving patient attitudes toward medication taking may be unnecessary.