"It's a lonely battle": A qualitative study of older adult Canadians' experiences with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication adherence and support.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medication adherence is critical for optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is influenced by patient, treatment and societal factors. Currently, little is known about the patient perspectives of older adult Canadians with COPD regarding medication adherence. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of older Canadian adults with COPD regarding medication adherence and management.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 community-dwelling older adults with COPD, and iterative thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Six themes emerged from these data: (1) continuity of care, (2) importance of pharmacy for information and care, (3) medication self-management, (4) "there needs to

SUBMITTER: Skerry L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9849920 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature