Technologies for Optimizing Medication Use in Older Adults

Abstract

This paper discusses three areas of opportunity for medication optimization for older adults: 1) Medication Reconciliation, 2) Medication Adherence, and 3) Medication Monitoring. To help pinpoint where medication use problems occur, what opportunities exist to solve these problems, and which technologies may be beneficial in the process, potential solutions will be presented in the context of a five-step medication use process: Assess, Prescribe, Dispense, Administer, and Monitor.3-5 A number of technology-enabled interventions can mitigate medication-use problems, optimize process step efficiency, and improve the health and independence of older adults. In alignment with the mission of the Center for Technology and Aging, this paper will focus on technology-enabled interventions predominantly aimed at improving the health of older adults while promoting independent living in community-based, home, and long-term care settings. Patients and caregivers primarily use these technologies to improve self-management of care and enhance communication of medication information to clinicians. The technologies described in this report should be viewed as a limited sample and not an exhaustive list. Medication optimization solutions that reduce the cost and burden of illness among older adults are urgently needed. While medication-use problems are not limited to older adults, older adults are disproportionately affected by such problems. Greater access to proven medication optimization technologies can lead to safer, more effective medication use among older adults.