Factors affecting medication adherence among older adults using tele-pharmacy services: a scoping review

Fatemeh Emadi, Arash Ghanbarzadegan, Sulmaz Ghahramani, Peivand Bastani, Melissa T. Baysari

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)
68 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence among older adults (aged 60 and above), particularly those with chronic conditions who take several medications, is critical, and tele-pharmacy services are a way to improve medication adherence. This study sought to determine the factors influencing medication adherence (MA) in older adults using tele-pharmacy services. Method: The Joana Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was implemented. Searches were conducted in databases PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Embase from 2000 to the present day, to identify both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on the use of tele-pharmacy by older people. Factors impacting MA were extracted and analyzed into themes using a qualitative approach. A concept map was also designed summarising these factors. Results: Of 7495 articles obtained in the initial search, 52 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis resulted in 5 themes and 21 sub-themes representing factors that impacted MA with tele-pharmacy. These themes are divided broadly into technology and user related factors. Technology factors included design of the tele-pharmacy intervention, commercial aspects, and adherence measurement method. User factors included user-health constraints, behaviors and perceptions. Conclusion: Industry, policymakers, and stakeholders should consider using tele-pharmacy services for improving medication adherence among older adults; however, ensuring interventions facilitate communication between patients and health care teams, and are accompanied by user training and support, is essential for technology uptake and effectiveness.

Original languageEnglish
Article number199
Number of pages11
JournalArchives of Public Health
Volume80
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Telemedicine
  • Treatment Adherence and Compliance

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