Ensuring Safe Medication Assessment for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Safe medication management is crucial for maintaining health and well-being, particularly among older adults who often take multiple medications prescribed by different healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to medication safety among older adults using the Safe Medication Assessment (SMA) tool during home visits conducted by mobile care teams in the western part of Sweden. A quantitative pilot study was conducted. Safe Medication Assessment was used at baseline (n = 18) and follow-ups at 1 month (n =13) and 3 months (n = 13) to measure medication management. The study presented numbers and proportions (%) of identified similarities and differences in medication management among participants. The study identified several common risk factors associated with unsafe medication management among older adults, for example taking 5 or more medications (95%), having prescriptions from different prescribers (70%), and dealing with the complexity of medication management (39%). Protective factors that contributed to safe medication management included use of methods to remember medication schedules (95%), securely storing medications (95%), and having knowledge about prescribed drugs (77%). Implementing Safe Medication Assessment (SMA) during home visits offers a proactive approach to enhancing safe medication management among older adults living at home. Addressing risk factors such as polypharmacy, comorbidities, and cognitive function, along with use of protective factors like medication storage and patient education, can optimize medication therapy, minimize risks, and enhance treatment outcomes. Mobile care units play a vital role as a bridge for integrated care between different care providers, facilitating improved treatment outcomes for older adults managing complex medication regimens at home.