Frail elderly patients’ experiences of information on medication. A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundOlder patients generally have only poor knowledge about their medicines. Knowledge is important for good adherence and for participating in decisions about treatment. Patients are entitled to be informed on an individual and adequate level. The aim of the study was to explore frail elderly patients’ experiences of receiving information about their medications and their views on how the information should best be given.MethodsThe study was qualitative in design and was carried out in 2011. Twelve frail elderly (aged 68–88) participants taking cardiovascular medications participated in semi-structured interviews covering issues related to receiving information about prescribed medicines. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to content analysis, in which the text was analysed in five steps, inspired by Graneheim and Lundman.ResultsThe results revealed that the experiences which the elderly participants had regarding the receiving of medical information fell into two main categories: “Comfortable with information” or “Insecure with information”. The elderly felt comfortable when they trusted their physician or their medication, when they received enough information from the prescriber or when they knew how to find out sufficient information by themselves. They felt insecure if they were anxious, if the availability of medical care was poor or if they did not receive enough information.ConclusionsFactors that frequently caused insecurity about information and anxiety were too short consultations, lack of availability of someone to answer questions or of the opportunity to contact the physician if adverse effects are suspected. These factors could easily be dealt with and there must be improvements in the clinics if the patients´ feelings of security are to be increased.

Beliefs about prescribed medication among older patients with polypharmacy: a mixed methods study in primary care

“…(26,27) Similar to a previous Swedish study (28), the majority of our participants (94%) had strong beliefs in their benefits, however, approximately one-third of participants had strong concerns. For the majority, belief in necessity outweighed any concerns, similar to patterns observed in a frail elderly population.…”

“…At the same time however, some participants reported poor knowledge of their medications, a common trait among patients taking multiple drugs, and older people in general tend to have poorer health literacy. (28,33,34) This highlights the complex interplay of strong beliefs in the context of limited knowledge. Indeed, a previous study involving frail older patients found no relationship between strong beliefs and medication knowledge.…”

Older patients and their GPs: shared decision making in enhancing trust

“…Continuity with an available, approachable GP is particularly valued by older patients. 59,60 Perceptions of the doctor's competence, listening skills 61 and holistic approach, 62 are all known to affect trust. 4 Perceptions of being given enough time 28,59,63 appeared strongly associated with trust and patient involvement for the most older participants.…”

“…59,60 Perceptions of the doctor's competence, listening skills 61 and holistic approach, 62 are all known to affect trust. 4 Perceptions of being given enough time 28,59,63 appeared strongly associated with trust and patient involvement for the most older participants. The influence of societal factors on patients' perceptions of access, 64 and on trust in an individual practitioner, 2 was particularly apparent for the present participants, who have lived through cultural change.…”

Optimizing treatment initiation: Effects of a patient education program about fingolimod treatment on knowledge, self-efficacy and patient satisfaction

“…qualitative study by Modig et al (2012), frail elderly were comfortable with information when they trusted the physician or the information they received. They felt comfortable with information when they were satisfied with the information about their medicines and felt in control of them.…”