Factors affecting medication adherence among older adults using tele-pharmacy services: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Medication adherence among older adults (aged 60 and above), particularly those with chronic conditions who take several medications, is critical, and tele-pharmacy services are a way to improve medication adherence. This study sought to determine the factors influencing medication adherence (MA) in older adults using tele-pharmacy services. Method The Joana Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was implemented. Searches were conducted in databases PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Embase from 2000 to the present day, to identify both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on the use of tele-pharmacy by older people. Factors impacting MA were extracted and analyzed into themes using a qualitative approach. A concept map was also designed summarising these factors. Results Of 7495 articles obtained in the initial search, 52 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis resulted in 5 themes and 21 sub-themes representing factors that impacted MA with tele-pharmacy. These themes are divided broadly into technology and user related factors. Technology factors included design of the tele-pharmacy intervention, commercial aspects, and adherence measurement method. User factors included user-health constraints, behaviors and perceptions. Conclusion Industry, policymakers, and stakeholders should consider using tele-pharmacy services for improving medication adherence among older adults; however, ensuring interventions facilitate communication between patients and health care teams, and are accompanied by user training and support, is essential for technology uptake and effectiveness.

Exploring the Potential of Social Robots in Supporting Home Medication Management

“…Reflecting on these challenges, we extend previous research on using social robots to support older adults' (e.g. Emadi et al 2022;Leung et al 2022;McGlynn et al 2017) by highlighting tensions that need to be taken into account when designing social robots that aim to support medication adherence in home settings. These tensions emphasize the complex nature of home medication management and conflicting needs of different users.…”

“…Older adults face several challenges related to medication management in home settings. Their adherence to medication regimens can be influenced by various factors, including their age, health condition (both mental and physical), personal beliefs about their illness and medications, and the side effects of medications they are taking (Chia et al 2006;Emadi et al 2022;F élix and Henriques 2021;Jessop and Rutter 2003;Mahmoodi et al 2019). Furthermore, whether older adults take medications or not depends on the perceived benefits and necessity of treatments, patient-practitioner relationships, financial constraints, and the number of medications and complexity of their regimen (Mukhtar et al 2014).…”

The Impact of Drug Pricing and Insurance Coverage on Medication Adherence in Saudi

“…Consequences of treatment failure may lead to individuals resorting to reduced doses, missed doses, or treatment discontinuation, resulting in non-adherence. Non-compliance with treatment guidelines can lead to costlier care and a greater chance of developing complications, according to (Emadi et al, 2022). Emadi et al (2022) state that the interplay between drug pricing and insurance coverage profoundly affects MA, touching numerous parties, including individuals, healthcare providers, and society.…”

“…Non-compliance with treatment guidelines can lead to costlier care and a greater chance of developing complications, according to (Emadi et al, 2022). Emadi et al (2022) state that the interplay between drug pricing and insurance coverage profoundly affects MA, touching numerous parties, including individuals, healthcare providers, and society. Extending it further Frieden et al,(2019) has highlighted that due to the combination of mounting drug prices and suboptimal insurance coverage, MA reduction can lead to adverse impacts on patient health and the larger healthcare system (Emadi et al, 2022;Frieden et al, 2019).…”

“…Emadi et al (2022) state that the interplay between drug pricing and insurance coverage profoundly affects MA, touching numerous parties, including individuals, healthcare providers, and society. Extending it further Frieden et al,(2019) has highlighted that due to the combination of mounting drug prices and suboptimal insurance coverage, MA reduction can lead to adverse impacts on patient health and the larger healthcare system (Emadi et al, 2022;Frieden et al, 2019). High prescription drug prices are prominent in countries with market-based healthcare systems, such as the United States (Patel et al, 2018).…”