An intervention to maximize medication management by caregivers of persons with memory loss: Intervention overview and two-month outcomes

Abstract

Overseeing medication-taking is a critical aspect of dementia caregiving. This trial examined a tailored, problem-solving intervention designed to maximize medication management practices among caregivers of persons with memory loss. Eighty-three community-dwelling dyads (patient + informal caregiver) with a baseline average of 3 medication deficiencies participated. Home- and telephone-based sessions were delivered by nurse or social worker interventionists and addressed basics of managing medications, plus tailored problem solving for specific challenges. The outcome of medication management practices was assessed using the Medication Management Instrument for Deficiencies in the Elderly (MedMaIDE) and an investigator-developed Medication Deficiency Checklist (MDC). Linear mixed modeling showed both the intervention and usual care groups had fewer medication management problems as measured by the MedMaIDE (F = 6.91, p < .01) and MDC (F = 9.72, p < .01) at 2 months post-intervention. Reduced medication deficiencies in both groups suggests that when nurses or social workers merely raise awareness of the importance of medication adherence, there may be benefit.

Keywords: Informal caregiver; Medication adherence; Medication management; Memory loss.

Figure 1

CONSORT Diagram

Figure 2

Medication Deficiency by group and time. Note that a higher deficiency value indicates greater deficiency in a caregiver's management of the recipient's medication. MDC: Medication Deficiency Checklist; MedMaIDE: Medication Management Instrument for Deficiencies in the Elderly Intervention Usual Care