Medication-taking for coronary artery disease - patients' perspectives.
BACKGROUND
Medication adherence as a healthcare issue has preoccupied researchers and clinicians for several decades. Sustained investigation is justified given the extent and consequences of non-adherence. While quantitative methodologies conducted predominately from a healthcare professionals' perspective have generated numerous relevant factors involved in adhering to medical regimens, patients' perspectives are required for a more comprehensive appreciation of patient priorities in medication-taking.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to gain a dynamic understanding of the perspectives of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) on the factors relating to medication-taking.


METHODS
A qualitative, descriptive research design was adopted. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted over a three month period and analysed using content analysis techniques.


RESULTS
Three key dimensions to medication-taking were identified: "Keeping track"-ways of taking tablets; Reasoning about medications and Social/Professional influences on medication-taking.


CONCLUSIONS
Research results add to the existing body of knowledge on patients' perspectives on medication-taking. They provide clinicians with an insight into the different dimensions and complex interactions involved.
Lehane
Elaine
E
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, National University of Ireland, Cork College Road, Cork, Ireland. e.lehane@ucc.ie
McCarthy
Geraldine
G
Collender
Valerie
V
Deasy
Ann
A
D000368:Aged; D032882:Comprehension; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004282:Documentation; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012646:Self Administration / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires