Improving Medication Adherence in Older Outpatients
Author Information
Author(s): Claudio Bilotta, Anna Lucini, Paola Nicolini, Carlo Vergani
Primary Institution: Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan
Hypothesis
A simple intervention at the end of the visit can improve patients' adherence to therapy in the short term.
Conclusion
The intervention was effective in reducing the prevalence of adherence errors among older outpatients in the month following the visit.
Supporting Evidence
- 40% of participants made at least one adherence error in the month prior to the visit.
- In the intervention group, the prevalence of adherence errors was 20% compared to 59% in the control group.
- The intervention was associated with a lower risk of making adherence errors.
Takeaway
If older patients or their caregivers write down their medication instructions after a doctor's visit, they are less likely to make mistakes with their medications.
Methodology
Pilot non-randomised controlled trial with 108 community-dwelling outpatients aged 65+ who were referred to a geriatric service.
Potential Biases
The geriatrician administering the intervention was not blinded to group assignment.
Limitations
The study was not randomized, had a small sample size, and a short follow-up period.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 80, 66% women, 37% with cognitive impairment, 67% with symptoms of depression.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
0.07 - 0.39
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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