Medication compliance in elderly people: influencing variables and interventions

Abstract

This paper describes a study in which 70 elderly patients were assessed for risk factors in their medication regimen. They were separated into three study groups, including two levels of teaching intervention focused on the home medication administration system, and a control group. The intervention utilizing a follow-up telephone call demonstrated a significant change in risk-related behaviours such as verbalization of the regimen, congruence between instructions and usage of medications, and taking of medicines not currently prescribed or over-the-counter.