The Source of Purchased Medications and Its Impact on Medication Mistakes and Hospitalizations

Abstract

Older adults self-administer prescribed medication regimens to treat chronic diseases, which can lead to mismanagement, medication-related harm, and hospitalization. Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset, we examined the extent to which the medication source could impact the occurrence of self-reported medication mistakes and hospitalizations in community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years who managed medications independently ( N = 3,899). The majority (65%) picked up medications, 18% had medications delivered, and 17% used both methods. Compared to those picking up their medications, those using delivery only were less likely to have a hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.51, 0.94]) but had no difference in odds of medication mistakes (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [0.57, 2.23]). Those using both methods were more likely to report hospital stays (OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.11, 1.85]) and medication mistakes (OR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.00, 2.73]). Health care providers should consider medication source when assessing older adults' ability to safely self-manage medications. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15 (2), 69–75.]