The Impact of Tele-pharmaceutical Care on Medication Adherence in Elderly Patients at the Neurological Institute of Thailand

Abstract

Background: Older adults are at high risk of medication errors, often experiencing difficulties in understanding medication instructions or demonstrating poor adherence. These issues can negatively impact treatment outcomes. Objective: To investigate the effects of tele-pharmacy interventions on medication adherence, satisfaction with pharmaceutical care services, and medication-related problems encountered in a sample of older adults receiving care at the Neurological Institute of Thailand. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a prospective data collection approach. A sample size of all participants will be recruited from patients aged 60 years - 80 years who self-medication and voluntarily agree to participate in the study between June and August 2023 and have no prior experience with tele-pharmacy interventions. The study will involve a video call interview via the DMS application, with video and audio recording. The interview will be conducted using three questionnaires: a medication adherence assessment form focusing on medication-taking behavior (specifically, forgetting to take medication), a medication information tracking form and a satisfaction assessment form, Participants who receive tele-pharmacy care only once will be assigned to the comparison group, while those who receive the service twice will be assigned to the intervention group. Results: Repeated tele-pharmacy interventions significantly reduced problems with forgotten medication intake and issues with medication non-adherence among patients (p < .05). Tele-pharmacy interventions were highly satisfactory among service recipients. The afternoon service time slot was preferred over the morning slot. Conclusion: Tele-pharmacy services for older adults at the Neurological Institute of Thailand contributes to reducing medication non-adherence among patients and enhancing their satisfaction with healthcare services, represent a novel approach to pharmaceutical care, improving patient access and enabling the identification and resolution of specific medication-related problems. Enhancing the ease of use of the communication system, along with using appropriate timing and communication strategies, will further improve tele-pharmacy services.