This study sought to understand the medication adherence and quality of life (QOL) of\nrecipients of a pharmacist-based medication management program among independently living older\nadults. Using a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study design, we compared older adults enrolled\nin the program to older adults not enrolled in the program. Data were collected via face-to-face\ninterviews in independent-living facilities and in participants� homes. Independently living older\nadults who were enrolled in the medication management program (n = 38) were compared to older\nadults not enrolled in the program (control group (n = 41)). All participants were asked to complete\nquestionnaires on health-related quality of life (QOL, using the SF-36) and medication adherence\n(using the four-item Morisky scale). The medication management program recipients reported\nsignificantly more prescribed medications (p < 0.0001) and were more likely to report living alone\n(p = 0.01) than the control group. The medication management program recipients had a significantly\nlower SF-36 physical functioning score (p = 0.03) compared to the control group, although other SF-36\ndomains and self-reported medication adherence were similar between the groups. Despite taking\nmore medications and more commonly living alone, independent living older adults enrolled in\na pharmacist-based medication management program had similar QOL and self-reported medication\nadherence when compared to older adults not enrolled in the program. This study provides initial\nevidence for the characteristics of older adults receiving a pharmacist-based medication management\nprogram, which may contribute to prolonged independent living and positive health outcomes.
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