Medication non-adherence among older adults: a review of strategies and interventions for improvement

Abstract

Medication non-adherence among older adults is a prevalent and costly problem; approximately one half have problems following their prescribed medication regimen, and more than 10% of hospital admissions are the result of medication non-adherence. In this literature review, medication non-adherence is defined and described among adults age 50 and older. Factors associated with medication non-adherence are presented, interventions to improve medication non-adherence are discussed, and methods for assessing medication non-adherence are reviewed. In addition, nursing assessment and intervention to improve medication non-adherence are described.