How do advanced practice nurses promote medication compliance in the elderly?
Date
2009-07-15Author
Landon, Sheila Marie
Advisor(s)
Marnocha, Suzanne
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population and
there are high degrees of chronicity associated with the aging process. Inappropriate
prescribing to elderly patients is increasing. It is not uncommon for older patients to
receive one or more medications from their primary health care provider and additional
medications from specialty physicians, with each provider unaware of medications
prescribed by others.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how advanced practice nurses
(APNs) promote medication compliance in the elderly.
Sample and Setting: The participants were obtained through the Wisconsin
Department of Regulation and Licensing and were chosen by the researcher. The listing
included all APNs from the state of Wisconsin. The sample was derived from APNs
practicing in Brown, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, and Waupaca counties. These
counties reflect the Northeastern Wisconsin region. The sample was obtained through a
random selection of every fifth name from the list. A provider questionnaire was mailed
to the APN?s home and returned to the researcher. The inclusion criteria included any
male or female APN with prescription privileges, provider for any elderly person 65
years or older and resides in the above named counties.
Design and Method: This study was a descriptive qualitative design. Qualitative
content analysis method was used to formulate descriptions of the questionnaire. Data
analysis revealed that three main themes emerged: Simplify Dosing Schedules, Frequent
Follow Ups, and Affordable Medications.
Implications: In light of the importance of medication compliance in modulating
patient outcomes, advanced practice nurses need to recommend strategies to integrate
medication compliance. The findings from this study confirm that advanced practice
nurses should have the knowledge, attitude, and skills to follow an appropriately
prescribed regimen. Multidisciplinary efforts to promote medication compliance may
improve the outcome. Many elderly patients are unaware of the importance of complying
with the medication regime which is reflected in their reports of not taking medications
when they feel better or if their condition worsened. Advanced practice nurses are in a
unique position to educate patients about the importance in medication compliance.
Subject
Medication compliance
Nurse practitioners
Patient compliance
Older people, drug use.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/35496Description
A Clinical Paper Submitted
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Degree of
Master of Science in Nursing -
Family Nurse Practitioner
--
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 2009