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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Informal caregivers’ perspectives on health of and (potentially inappropriate) medication for (relatively) independent oldest-old people – a qualitative interview study

Authors: Nadine Janis Pohontsch, Antje Löffler, Tobias Luck, Kathrin Heser, Debora Parker, Britta Haenisch, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Frank Jessen, Martin Scherer

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Oldest-old persons frequently receive potentially inappropriate medication. Medication use takes place under the patients’ informal caregivers’ influence. We explored informal caregivers’ perspectives on medication of (relatively) independent oldest-old persons to identify starting points for safer medication prescription/handling.

Methods

In this exploratory qualitative interview study we interviewed 45 informal caregivers of 45 oldest-old persons (23 with potentially inappropriate medication/22 without potentially inappropriate medication). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and content analyzed (deductive/inductive coding).

Results

Interviewees had little knowledge about/influence on oldest-old persons’ medication, but declared to monitor oldest-old persons’ needs for assistance. They were unaware of the concept of potentially inappropriate medication but sometimes sensitive to substance dependency. Most informal caregivers were satisfied with the oldest-old persons’ medication and viewed medication as increasing the patients’ quality of life. Inadequate communication was found between informal caregivers and general practitioners.

Conclusions

Influence of informal caregivers on (relatively) independent oldest-old persons’ medication seems low. Stakeholders need to be aware that there is a transitional period where independency of oldest-old persons decreases and support needs increase which may be missed by (in-)formal caregivers or concealed by oldest-old persons. Monitoring patients’ medication competencies; measures supporting communication between informal caregivers and health care professionals; provision of educational and support resources for informal caregivers and the acceptance of oldest-old persons’ increasing assistance needs may increase medication safety.
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Metadata
Title
Informal caregivers’ perspectives on health of and (potentially inappropriate) medication for (relatively) independent oldest-old people – a qualitative interview study
Authors
Nadine Janis Pohontsch
Antje Löffler
Tobias Luck
Kathrin Heser
Debora Parker
Britta Haenisch
Steffi G. Riedel-Heller
Frank Jessen
Martin Scherer
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0849-5

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