Improving Medication Adherence in the Geriatric Population with Hypertension by Using a Teamlet Model with a Systematic Program of Medication Reconciliation in a Primary Setting

Abstract

This scholarly project examines one way to improve medication adherence among elderly patients diagnosed with hypertension by educating clinical staff on the teamlet model. Decades of research have shown the consequences of untreated or under-treated hypertension, factors associated with hypertension management, and lifestyle/behavioral modifications essential for healthy living. Research on the importance of the health coach’s interaction with primarily Hispanic elders who have hypertension and the effects on their medication adherence is lacking. An assessment of a family practice clinic was conducted to evaluate the suboptimal treatment of hypertension in the elderly population. Because multiple issues were found to contribute to problems with medication adherence in the elderly, the medical staff were trained to become health coaches using the teamlet model. A pre-/post-intervention analysis of the elders’ medication adherence and blood pressures was conducted. Process and outcome measures were compared before and after the teamlet model intervention in 60 patients. Six medical assistants were trained as health coaches using the Primary Care Health Coach Panel Management Program. Medication adherence behaviors were evaluated using a validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, which was administered to patients at the time of consent and post intervention. Clinical staff compliance and patient participation using the teamlet model intervention were tracked utilized the clinic’s software. The results indicated that the teamlet intervention significantly improved medication adherence in the geriatric population.