Medication adherence in older adults: The pillbox half full

摘要

Medication nonadherence is a common concern for nurses and family members who care for older adults. Medication nonadherence can be intentional and/or nonintentional. Understanding the reason for nonadherence is essential in achieving the desired clinical and behavioral outcomes. Traditional interventions, such as educational and behavioral interventions, must often be combined to be successful. New technologies offer nurses opportunities to explore interventions for the baby boomers, who are now tapping into Medicare. Nurses can contribute to finding a solution to medication adherence through policy, systems, practice, and research, with the first step being effective communication with older adults and their caregivers.