Evaluation of a Novel Medication Aid, the Calendar Blister‐Pak, and its Effect on Drug Compliance in a Geriatric Outpatient Clinic

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Abstract
A prospective, controlled, crossover study on drug compliance was initiated in 22 elderly patients from a geriatric clinic. Half of the patients received their pills from a commercially prepared calendar mealtime blister‐pak; the remaining patients received their medication from standard pill bottles. At the end of three months the two groups were crossed over. Pill count and issuance of a new drug supply were done monthly to assess compliance. It was found that the average noncompliance index was significantly decreased (9.17 to 2.04) with the blister‐pak packaging system. The relationship of age, Folstein mini‐mental status, over compliance, frequency of dosing interval, and living situation were also explored.