Medication adherence among the elderly and technology Aids: Results from an online survey study

Abstract

Appropriate use of medications can improve the health of seniors and other patients, but inappropriate use or misuse can lead to adverse side effects, deterioration, and other conditions that may result in either more medical visits, hospitalizations or even death. This study aimed at exploring how senior people manage their daily medication and the acceptance towards the medication management technology and the service in assisted living facilities. Results of an online questionnaire survey with senior participants suggested that the online senior communities manage their medication in three ways: managed based on memory or routines, assisted by medication management tools, or helped by other members in the family. Although medication management technology is in low usage rate, participants showed positive attitude towards medication management service and accepting technology as a method to improve medication adherence, with the concerning issues on user acceptance, usability, and user preference. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.