Medication adherence in older adults: the pillbox half full.
Medication nonadherence is a common concern for nurses and family members who care for older adults. Medication nonadherence can be intentional and/or nonintentional. Understanding the reason for nonadherence is essential in achieving the desired clinical and behavioral outcomes. Traditional interventions, such as educational and behavioral interventions, must often be combined to be successful. New technologies offer nurses opportunities to explore interventions for the baby boomers, who are now tapping into Medicare. Nurses can contribute to finding a solution to medication adherence through policy, systems, practice, and research, with the first step being effective communication with older adults and their caregivers.
Acute and Specialty Care, University of Virginia School of Nursing, 225 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800826, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0826, USA. Electronic address: khh@virginia.edu.
Kathy Henley
KH
Haugh
D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009732:Nursing Care; D010349:Patient Compliance
Aged; Medication adherence; Medication interventions; Older adults; Reminder systems