Self-administration of medicine and older people
- 17 January 2001
- journal article
- review article
- Published by RCNi in Nursing Standard
- Vol. 15 (18) , 33-36
- https://doi.org/10.7748/ns2001.01.15.18.33.c2968
Abstract
Non-adherence to medication regimens is a significant problem in older patients, which can lead to therapeutic failure and the wastage of resources. Common causes include poor patient memory, physical difficulties, unpleasant side effects and a lack of social support. Strategies such as careful labelling, self-administration of medicine programmes, simplifying drug regimens and the use of medication compliance devices can help to promote patient adherence. Some of these interventions will work for certain patients, however the authors recommend that a multidisciplinary assessment and a regular review of each patient's ability to adhere to medication should be undertaken.Keywords
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