Medication Compliance Aids: The views and experiences of older adults -
a questionnaire survey
Abstract
Aim: Multi-compartment medication compliance aids (MCAs) aim to support
medication adherence and administration. Many older people have their
medications supplied in a pharmacy-filled MCA (pMCA), despite growing
evidence of increased risks of medication-related harm and inappropriate
prescribing practices. Little is known about patients’ perspectives on
the various MCAs and their impact. The aim was to determine patient
views on pMCAs. Methods: A questionnaire-survey of adults over 65 years
old, who use, have declined or discontinued a pMCA. Participants were
recruited from inpatient, outpatient and community settings in central
London. 88 participants were recruited. Responses were analysed using
thematic analysis. Results: 61 participants used, 5 had discontinued and
22 had declined a pMCA. Those not using a pMCA often self-filled an MCA
of their choice. Participants’ views on pMCAs fell into three themes:
Polypharmacy and medication supply systems; Autonomy and independence;
and Design of products. The majority of those using pMCAs would not
revert to original medication packaging. For some, the convenience of
the aid in managing polypharmacy overrode the loss of autonomy. Those
who had stopped or declined pMCAs highlighted the importance of control
and knowledge of their medications. The environmental impact of the
devices caused concern across all groups. Conclusion: Whether
self-filled or pharmacy-filled, MCAs were deemed useful in supporting
adherence. An individualised approach to medication rationalisation
would reduce the burden of polypharmacy and potentially the need for any
form of MCA. Redesign of pMCAs and systems surrounding their use would
be beneficial at an individual and global level.