Medication management and older patients: an individualized and systematic approach

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Abstract
• The aim of this action research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized education programme on older patients’ knowledge of prescribed medication.• A questionnaire for assessment of medication knowledge was used to collect data from 15 patients at two intervals, before and after an individualized education programme. Following the collection of pre‐intervention data, an individualized education programme was developed for each patient. As part of the education programme patients also had an opportunity to self‐administer their medication.• The results of the study showed that all participants scored higher in the post‐test than the pre‐test although the degree of improvement varied between participants. Patient satisfaction with the education programme was also assessed and revealed a high level of satisfaction.• The most significant finding was the importance of tailoring education programmes to meet the needs of the older person. This is borne out by case studies, which suggest that the most relevant characteristic of successful participants is a real desire to remain independent and in control of their medication.• The findings question the value of standardized programmes of medication education that treat older people as a homogeneous population. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for nurses and other healthcare professionals to individualize their teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of older patients.

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