Abstract
Background: Older age is associated with increased prevalence of sensory impairment and use of medicines. Objectives: To explore the daily ‘medicine journey’ of older people with sensory impairment.
Methods: The study used ethnographic-informed methods (using audio-, photo- and video-recordings, diary notes and semi-structured interviews with researchers) and involved community-dwelling adults (aged > 65) in Scotland, with visual and/or hearing impairment and using > 4 medicines. Data analysis used the constant comparative method.
Results: Fourteen older people with sensory impairment participated and used a mean of 11.0 (SD 5.0) medicines (range 5 to 22). Participants reported difficulties with medicine ordering, obtaining, storage, administration and disposal. They used elaborate strategies to manage their medicines including bespoke storage systems, fixed routines, simple aids, communication, and assistive technologies.
Conclusion: Older people with sensory impairment experience substantial burden, challenges and risk with medicines management. Tailored medicine regimens and assistive technologies could provide greater support to older people with sensory impairment.
Methods: The study used ethnographic-informed methods (using audio-, photo- and video-recordings, diary notes and semi-structured interviews with researchers) and involved community-dwelling adults (aged > 65) in Scotland, with visual and/or hearing impairment and using > 4 medicines. Data analysis used the constant comparative method.
Results: Fourteen older people with sensory impairment participated and used a mean of 11.0 (SD 5.0) medicines (range 5 to 22). Participants reported difficulties with medicine ordering, obtaining, storage, administration and disposal. They used elaborate strategies to manage their medicines including bespoke storage systems, fixed routines, simple aids, communication, and assistive technologies.
Conclusion: Older people with sensory impairment experience substantial burden, challenges and risk with medicines management. Tailored medicine regimens and assistive technologies could provide greater support to older people with sensory impairment.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-11 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine |
| Volume | 10 |
| Early online date | 16 May 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 May 2024 |
Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work is supported by the Dunhill Medical Trust [grant number RPGF2002/186]. The funder has no role in the review process.
Keywords
- older person
- sensory impairment
- medicine safety
- hearing impairment
- visual impairment
- medicine
