Medication therapy management by caregivers from a health of institutionalized elderly individuals

Abstract

Medicines are an important health technology in geriatric care. In this context, the purpose of this study is to analyze and discuss the medication therapy management from the perspective of elderly caregivers in a long term care facility located in the Federal District, Brazil. According to obtained data by conducting a qualitative study which adopted the interview technique with eight caregivers of the Institution, the complexity of pharmacotherapy, work overload, the non-acceptance of drug use by the aged and the lack of knowledge by caregivers are factors that undermine the rationale and operation of the treatment regimens. Caregivers, along with the health team of the institution, have developed coping strategies not to be forgotten in the administration of medication doses, and there are the provision and regular access to those technologies by users. Although pharmaceutical service topic of discussion in institutions is scarce in the literature, due to the aging population and expansion of the supply of these types of services, it is
remarkable the need to maintain this issue on the research agenda and technical-scientific production.