Caregivers' experiences of medication management advice for people
living with dementia at discharge
Abstract
Rationale, aims and objectives: People living with dementia admitted to
hospitals are more likely to experience poorer outcomes than people
without dementia. Caregivers play an important role in managing
medications across transitions of care. This qualitative study explores
the experiences and perspectives of caregivers about the medication
management guidance provided at hospital discharge. Methods: A
qualitative approach using semi-structured, telephone interviews was
conducted with 31 caregivers of people with dementia across Australia.
Purposive sampling was used to ensure maximum variation of diverse
experiences and perspectives. Results: Caregivers’ experiences of
medication guidance for people with dementia at discharge were described
in three themes including: a) inadequate information about medication
management at discharge; b) limited caregiver engagement in medication
management decisions; and c) difficulties ensuring medication supply
post discharge. Most participants indicated they would like to be
included in discussions at discharge. However, participation was
influenced by caregivers being overwhelmed by discharge processes;
proactively seeking information on medication-related harm; and belief
in advocacy as part of their caregiver role. Caregivers reported they
would like to receive a tailored medication list for people with
dementia which included information on medications that may impact on
the patient’s cognition, and for hospital staff to communicate with both
the community pharmacist and primary care physician, to improve
co-ordination post transition. Discussion: In our study of caregivers of
people with dementia, we identified key recommendations that could be
tested to facilitate regular participation of people living with
dementia and their caregiver around medication guidance at discharge.