Abstract

CLINICAL PHARMACIST INTERVENTION FOR IMPROVING MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Shinu C.*

Abstract

Health related problems of elderly need special attention because they face many problems, which include problems related to health, social support and economic insecurity. The aim of the study was to evaluate pharmacist interventions in medication adherence of geriatric patient’s. The present study was a prospective interventional study carried over a period of one year and the study was performed in 3 phases such as pre-intervention, intervention and post intervention. The drug therapy details of the patients were collected from pre-rounds, ward rounds with physician and inpatient case records. Pharmacist reviewed the drug therapy, had discussion with patients, took medication history behavior and discussed with physician and suitable suggestions was provided which had been documented. MMAS-8 questionnaire was used in the study to find out medication adherence. During the study period 280 patients data was collected, out of which 58.4% were males and 41.6% were females. The maximum patients were in the age group of 60-70 range (48.4%). Patient counseling was the most interventions in the study. Providing patient counseling, it yields a positive impact on patient compliance and their quality of life. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test and t-test are used in this study for statistical analysis. Outcomes of interventions indicate that almost 80.26% of problems are totally solved by pharmacist’s interventions in this study. Pharmacist in geriatric health care has a positive influence on their health outcomes.

Keywords: Geriatrics, medication adherence, intervention.