Worries and Concerns about Taking Medicine, and Related Factors in Older Patients Undergoing Polypharmacy / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Worries and concerns about taking medicine, and related factors in older patients undergoing polypharmacy were investigated.Methods: Participants (N = 9) aged 65 years or older with chronic diseases who were prescribed more than six types of medicine were selected for this survey. Qualitative data obtained by semi-structured interviews were analyzed by Steps Coding and Theorization (SCAT). Components and concepts are indicated by "" and ' ', respectively.Results: Worries about taking medicine were affected by "lack of support from medical staff providing polypharmacy", and by "negative experiences and lack of understanding about medicine". "Behaviors for coping with worries", which were composed of "self-control in taking medicine" and "asking advice from the prescribing physician", dispelled worries. Participants that had never been worried had "received adequate support from staff involved in polypharmacy" and had "positive attitudes about polypharmacy".Conclusion: Worries about taking medicine among older patients undergoing polypharmacy were solved through self-control. Moreover, medical staff involved in polypharmacy should conduct activities to initiate communication with such patients.