What think older patients about their medicines? (ISoP18-1430)

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Polypharmacy associated to the cognitive and physical functioning decline prone older patients to Drug-Related Problems. Drug-related problems are responsible for great percentage of hospitalizations and consequently increasing health care costs. Nevertheless, there are few studies exploring what older patients think about their medicines and how they are managing their medicines. Objective/Aim: To explore how older patients are taking their medicines. Methods: A qualitative research, in the form of focus group, was developed with older patients recruited in health primary care centers in inland region of Portugal, one of the most aged of the country. The sessions were moderated by a researcher, following a top guide, and were audio-recorded and transcribed by another researcher. The study was developed during May 2018. Participants were informed about the aim and the methodology of the study. A signed informed consent was obtained from each one of the participants. The study was approved by the ethical committee of the Center Health Region of Portugal, and from the Portuguese Data Protection Authority. Results: Four focus groups were conducted with older patients (n = 25) taking more than five medicines. In general, all patients consider that medicines are important for them. Initially, the patients reported no problem with the management of their medicines, however, negative attitudes were revealed during the session. The main causes of incorrectly use of medicines observed was related with forgetfulness to take it, with uncertainty or lack of knowledge about the aim or function of the medicines. It was also observed that a large number of patients changes their medicines regimens (drugs being stopped, dosage modification, new drugs started). Patients revealed that they don't report to the doctor their own alterations to the medicines regimens; the main cause of this behavior is related with forgetful, and with the fact that patient’s don’t want to see the doctor annoyed. Regarding the information on package leaflet, patients reported that they don't like to read it, because it is very complicate to understand and they ‘‘see many contra-indications and adverse reactions’’. Conclusion: Older patients have the perception that medicines are important to improve their health. However, many of them are using their medicine incorrectly resulting in a large number of drug related problems in these population. Strategies should be developed to improve the efficient use of medicines by older adults.