Factors Influencing Medication Compliance in Elderly Patients

Written by Sam Darwin

The elderly population is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to population reports, the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to double by 2050. Along with this increase in life expectancy comes an increase in chronic health conditions. Many of these chronic conditions are managed with medication. This means that an increasing number of older adults take many medications daily to improve their quality of life. But taking different drugs can be hard, and many older people have trouble sticking to their treatment plan.

Not taking medications as prescribed is a big problem among older people, and it can have bad results. It can make drug treatments less effective and lead to hospitalization, a loss of cognitive function, or even death. This article will discuss the factors that influence medication compliance in elderly patients.

Medication compliance is the degree to which patients follow prescribed medications. It is a significant problem in older adults due to several factors. Here are factors that influence medication compliance among elderly patients:

 

1. Patient-Provider Relationship

An important factor influencing medication compliance is a positive patient-provider relationship in senior care. Patients comfortable talking with their doctors about their medications will take them more frequently. Those uncomfortable discussing these issues with their physicians are less likely to comply.

A primary care physician must establish a positive rapport to ensure success with their patient’s treatment plans. They can do this by taking an interest in what is happening in their lives. They should try to understand where they are coming from on medication decisions. This will help them better understand which treatments might suit each patient and which may not work out.

 

2. Medication Knowledge

A significant factor in medication compliance is patient knowledge of their medications. Elderly patients with limited knowledge of medication use are more likely not to adhere. Patients who can identify the name and strength of their drugs will take them more frequently than those who do not. This may be due to a lack of understanding, or it may be due to a lack of information. They should know about the medication’s side effects or interactions with other drugs taken by the patient.

 

3. Medication Side Effects Management

Medication side effects management is an essential factor for elderly patients. Side effects are common reasons patients do not take their medication as prescribed. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects due to age-related changes in the body. These changes can make it more difficult for the body to process and eliminate medications. As a result, side effects may be more severe in elderly patients.

Besides, it’s also important to note that many elderly patients experience side effects from their medication. These side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Most side effects can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication dosage adjustments. Managing severe side effects will make the patients comply with the medications.

 

4. Patients’ Beliefs

Patients’ beliefs about medicine are vital. They can affect their decision-making regarding medication compliance. Patients may have misconceptions about medications and their effects on the body. For example, patients may believe certain medications may cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Some patients may believe that a prescription drug is more effective than another one in treating a condition. These beliefs can influence their decision-making as they weigh whether it is worth taking medication. They can decide if it is safe to take an alternative treatment instead.

5. Social Support

Social support is another factor that influences medication compliance among elderly individuals. Social support refers to the presence of family, friends, and community members. These are people who provide emotional support during stress or illness. Social support has a positive impact on patient compliance with medication regimens. Individuals with social support are less likely to miss or need extra doses because they rely on others for help when needed.

 

6. Reduction in the Number of Medications

The number of medications a patient takes is one factor that may influence adherence. For elderly patients, many medications are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for various conditions. These conditions may be chronic or acute and demand different treatment regimens. As a result, elderly patients may have various prescriptions from physicians or healthcare providers.

The high number of medications taken by elderly patients often leads to confusion. This is especially regarding prescription drugs’ dose, frequency, and duration. Reducing the number or substituting one medication with another will make patients adhere.

7. Cost of Medication

The cost of medicine is an essential factor that influences medication compliance. This is because the elderly are more likely to be on fixed incomes. This makes it difficult for them to afford the cost of taking their medicines. Moreover, it may be costly for them to purchase the treatment or fill prescriptions at a pharmacy.

Uninsured or underinsured patients may not be able to afford the medications they need to treat their illnesses. These factors play a significant role in increased patient non-compliance with their prescribed medications. It is essential to consider whether a drug is truly needed or merely being used to mask symptoms rather than treating the root cause of the disease.

 

8. Medication Accessibility

Medication accessibility is another factor that influences patient compliance with their prescribed medications. Medications are often unavailable at pharmacies or hospitals. This leads to increased reliance on self-medication or self-prescription. Self-prescription involves patients purchasing medicines from other sources. These could be pharmacies and drug stores rather than their primary care provider or pharmacy.

Elderly patients can also have difficulty accessing their medications. This could be due to a lack of transportation, income limitations, or other financial constraints. Easy accessibility to a primary doctor near me ensures medical compliance.

 

9. Patient’s Understanding of their Medical Condition

The most crucial factor in medication compliance is the patient’s understanding of their medical condition. If patients understand the reason for taking medication, they will be more likely to take it as directed. Patients should also be taught how to store their drugs properly and reduce side effects.

 

Conclusion

Patients who feel they have little or no say in their medical decisions are less likely to do what doctors tell them to do. Doctors should ensure their patients understand why they are being given medications. Sometimes it’s hard for older people to remember to take all their medicines. Thus, family doctors near me must know this when they write prescriptions. Patients must be knowledgeable about their medications, have access to them, and know when and how to take them.

 

FAQ

1. What are some common reasons elderly patients might not comply with their medication regimen?

Several factors can influence medication compliance in elderly patients. Poor eyesight and hearing can make it difficult to understand dosing instructions or follow medication schedules. Patients may also forget to take their medications.

2. What are some of the consequences of poor medication compliance in elderly patients?

Poor compliance can lead to various consequences. These include decreased quality of life, increased risk of hospitalization, and even death.

3. How can caregivers and loved ones help ensure that elderly patients take their medications as prescribed?

First, it is important to make sure that the elderly patient understands why they are taking the medication. Caregivers and loved ones should remind the older adults the dosage and time to take the medications.

 

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