Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring Patient and Carer Perceptions of Medication Compliance Aids (MCAs)

Medication adherence - the extent to which a patient takes their medications as prescribed - is a global problem. Half of all medicines given to patients with long-term health problems are not taken properly by the patient. Older adults are also more at risk of harm from their medications as they tend to take more medicines than young people, and are less able to cope with their effects.

There has been research into how to address these problems. One way has been through providing patients with a medication compliance aid (MCA), to help with taking their medications on time. MCAs are pre-packaged boxes containing tablets, grouped together according to the day and time the medication needs to be taken. Some patients buy the MCA and fill it themselves, other patients collect a MCA that their pharmacy makes for them.

There is not much proof that pharmacy-filled MCAs help patients, and some research suggests they may cause harm. The views of patients on MCA use have not yet been fully explored - it is not clear why some patients choose to stop using an MCA or refuse one when offered. Many patients with MCAs also have a family member or friend who helps them with their medication. No research has recognised the role of informal carers in helping patients with MCAs or asked them their thoughts.

This study aims to understand what patients, aged 65 and older, and their informal carers think about MCAs and how they affect their lives. It is a questionnaire study which will take place within a National Health Service (NHS) hospital. It's designed to take approximately 20 minutes, either face to face or by phone. The investigators hope that the results from this study will help to inform how healthcare professionals use MCAs to the benefit of patients and their carers.