Voices of Polymedicated Older Patients: A Focus Group Approach

Ana Isabel Plácido, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, João Lindo Simões, Odete Amaral, Adolfo Figueiras and Fátima Roque
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Ana Isabel Plácido: Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
Maria Teresa Herdeiro: Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810–193 Aveiro, Portugal
João Lindo Simões: Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) and School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810–193 Aveiro, Portugal
Odete Amaral: Health Sciences School, Polytechnic of Viseu, 3500–843 Viseu, Portugal
Adolfo Figueiras: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Fátima Roque: Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-10

Abstract: Polypharmacy in older adults is frequently associated with incorrect management of medicines, which causes drug-related problems and, subsequently, poor health outcomes. Understanding why older adults incorrectly manage their medicines is fundamental to health outcomes, however, it is an issue that remains poorly explored. The aim of this study is to examine older people’s perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and concerns in the central region of Portugal. Thirteen focus groups with sixty-one older adults taking five or more prescription medicines were conducted to explore older patients’ perceptions and beliefs about and management of their medication. Sampling was conducted until theme saturation had been achieved. Transcripts were coded and data were obtained using the NVivo qualitative data-analysis software programme. Older adults recognise the importance of medicines for ensuring healthy ageing. Owing to a lack of literacy, however, they frequently commit medication mistakes and compromise their health outcomes. Promoting the literacy and empowerment of older patients, as well as strengthening the relationship between health professionals and patients, is crucial when it comes to addressing drug-related problems and improving health outcomes.

Keywords: polypharmacy; home-dwelling older patients; medication errors; focus group sessions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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