Involvement in medication safety behaviors among older people with chronic diseases: systematic review of intervention studies

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to systematically evaluate interventions and effects that promote involvement in medication safety among older people with chronic diseases and to provide new ideas and references for developing standardized and effective intervention strategies to improve patient involvement in medication safety. Methods A comprehensive literature search across twelve databases was conducted using both computerized and manual methods. The search was limited to studies designated as randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies and was conducted from the time of each database’s inception until September 2023. Two researchers independently carried out qualitative analyses, which included screening the literature, extracting the data, and assessing the quality of the selected studies. Results This study included five studies involving a total of 388 participants, with interventions aimed at enhancing patient involvement in medication safety, including interactive health education, motivational interviewing, and medication reconciliation. However, direct evidence confirming the positive impact of these interventions in promoting medication safety behaviors among older people with chronic diseases is still lacking. Conclusions Patient involvement in medication safety behaviors is essential for promoting healthy aging. Medication education, motivational interviewing, and medication reconciliation may improve the willingness and ability of older people to participate. However, limitations in the methodological quality of current studies prevent drawing definitive conclusions, highlighting the urgent need for more high-quality research. Trial registration PROSPERO number CRD42023494924.

Keywords

• Older people
• Chronic diseases
• Patient involvement in medication safety
• Patient involvement
• Systematic review