Methodological features of quantitative studies on medication adherence in older patients with chronic morbidity: A systematic review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Granata, N (Author) Other; Traversoni, S (Author) Other; Kardas, P (Author) Other; Kurczewska Michalak, M (Author) Other; Costa, E (Author) FFUP; Midao, L (Author) Other; Giardini, A (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Patient Education and Counseling

Vol. 103

Pages: 2132-2141

ISSN: 0738-3991

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-3MX

DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.04.006

Abstract (EN): Objectives: The growing number of chronic, multimorbid older adults encourages healthcare systems to cope with polypharmacy and non-adherence. However, methodology on how to provide effective interventions to enhance medication adherence is still object of debate. Methods: To describe methodological features of quantitative studies concerning older adults' medication adherence, by means of a PRISMA systematic review (Scopus, PubMed, Medline). A specific focus was devoted to theoretical models and to the ABC Taxonomy model, as stated by the EMERGE guidelines. Results: 55 papers were included. Most of the studies were conducted using randomized control trials (63.6%) and focused on a single disease only (72.7%). Most of the interventions were provided by a single professional figure (70.9%). Medication adherence was mainly evaluated by means of questionnaires (61.8%) and by clinical records (30.9%). Sixteen studies considered a theoretical model in the intervention framework. The Initiation phase (ABC Taxonomy) was the most neglected. Conclusions: Future studies upon medication adherence should account real-life challenges such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy and interdisciplinarity, analyzing adherence as a complex, holistic process. Practice implications: Theoretical models may be useful to enhance the soundness of the results, to ease their comparability, to calibrate tailored strategies and to plan patient-centered interventions. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10