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Voices of Polymedicated Older Patients: A Focus Group Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Isabel Plácido

    (Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal)

  • Maria Teresa Herdeiro

    (Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810–193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • João Lindo Simões

    (Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) and School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810–193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Odete Amaral

    (Health Sciences School, Polytechnic of Viseu, 3500–843 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Adolfo Figueiras

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28001 Madrid, Spain
    Institute of Health Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Fátima Roque

    (Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
    Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200–506 Covilhã, Portugal)

Abstract

Polypharmacy in older adults is frequently associated with incorrect management of medicines, which causes drug-related problems and, subsequently, poor health outcomes. Understanding why older adults incorrectly manage their medicines is fundamental to health outcomes, however, it is an issue that remains poorly explored. The aim of this study is to examine older people’s perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and concerns in the central region of Portugal. Thirteen focus groups with sixty-one older adults taking five or more prescription medicines were conducted to explore older patients’ perceptions and beliefs about and management of their medication. Sampling was conducted until theme saturation had been achieved. Transcripts were coded and data were obtained using the NVivo qualitative data-analysis software programme. Older adults recognise the importance of medicines for ensuring healthy ageing. Owing to a lack of literacy, however, they frequently commit medication mistakes and compromise their health outcomes. Promoting the literacy and empowerment of older patients, as well as strengthening the relationship between health professionals and patients, is crucial when it comes to addressing drug-related problems and improving health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Isabel Plácido & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & João Lindo Simões & Odete Amaral & Adolfo Figueiras & Fátima Roque, 2020. "Voices of Polymedicated Older Patients: A Focus Group Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6443-:d:408767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Daniel Gomes & Ana Isabel Placido & Rita Mó & João Lindo Simões & Odete Amaral & Isabel Fernandes & Fátima Lima & Manuel Morgado & Adolfo Figueiras & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque, 2019. "Daily Medication Management and Adherence in the Polymedicated Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-13, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniela Azevedo & Ana Isabel Plácido & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque & Vítor Roque, 2022. "How Portuguese Health Entities Used Social Media to Face the Public Health Emergency during COVID-19 Disease," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Marta Estrela & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Pedro Lopes Ferreira & Fátima Roque, 2020. "The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Ana Margarida Alves & Alexandre Rodrigues & Pedro Sa-Couto & João Lindo Simões, 2021. "Effect of an Educational Nursing Intervention on the Mental Adjustment of Patients with Chronic Arterial Hypertension: An Interventional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-22, December.
    4. Ana Isabel Plácido & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque, 2022. "Health and Wellbeing in Aging," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-3, July.
    5. Ana Rita Paiva & Ana Isabel Plácido & Isabel Curto & Manuel Morgado & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque, 2021. "Acceptance of Pharmaceutical Services by Home-Dwelling Older Patients: A Case Study in a Portuguese Community Pharmacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-9, July.

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