Knowledge assessment in the process of medication use by older patients on clinical routine: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of medicines has been increasing over the last decades. Lack of medication knowledge (MK) may affect the process of medication use and, consequently, may lead to negative health outcomes. This study aimed to carry out a pilot study using a new tool to assess medication knowledge in older patients in a daily clinical practice.
METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out, including older patients (≥ 65 years), taking two or more medicines, followed in a regional clinic. Data were collected during a structured interview which included an algorithm for the assessment of MK regarding the identification of the medicines and its use and storage conditions. Health literacy and treatment adherence were also assessed.
RESULTS: The study enrolled 49 patients, mainly between 65-75 years (n=33; 67.3%) and polymedicated (n=40; 81.6%), taking a mean of 6.9 ± 2.8 medicines per day. A lack of MK (score < 50%) was observed in 15 (30.6%) participant patients. “Drug strength” and “Storage conditions” were the items which presented lowest score. MK was positively correlated with higher scores for health literacy and treatment adherence. Younger patients (age < 65 years old) also had a higher MK score.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study showed that the applied tool was able to evaluate the MK of the participants and identified specific gaps regarding MK within the process of medicines use. Further studies, with more participants will allows the confirmation of these findings and will stimulate the development of specific strategies to improve MK, thus contributing to better health outcomes.