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A Case Study Investigation into the Use of Multi-compartment Compliance Aids in Older People Resident in Very Sheltered Housing

The Patient - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research volume 9, pages 583–590 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are repackaging systems for solid dosage form medicines, heralded by some as a solution to non-adherence but with little evidence of benefit.

Objective

The aim was to use a theoretical approach to describe the behavioural determinants impacting the use of MCAs in older people from the perspectives of the individual and health and social care providers.

Design

A case study investigation was conducted.

Setting

The study took place in three very sheltered housing sites in North East Scotland.

Subjects

Twenty residents (≥65 years) using an MCA for at least 6 months and 34 members of their care team [17 formal carers, eight general practitioners (GPs), eight pharmacists, one family member].

Methods

Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with items based on the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Several behavioural determinants impacted the use of MCAs from the perspectives of the stakeholders involved. Goals of use related to promoting adherence and safety, with less emphasis on independence. Beliefs of consequences related to these goals and were considered of value, with additional consequences of concern around reduced awareness of medicines and complexities of changing medicines. There was a lack of clearly defined roles of professionals for all processes of MCA use, with evidence of blurring and gaps in roles. There were additional issues relating to capabilities of older people in using MCAs and capacity issues for pharmacy-supplied MCAs.

Conclusions

Several behavioural determinants impacted the use of MCAs, and while MCAs were valued, there is a need to more clearly define, develop, implement and evaluate a model of care encompassing resident and medicines assessment, supply and ongoing review of MCAs.

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Acknowledgments

The research team gratefully acknowledges all research participants, Jeanette Lowe for transcribing all the interviews and Christine Filion-Murphy and Christie Craig for assistance with analysis. The study was conceived by DS, JM and KM; KM prepared the first drafts of all study materials, which were reviewed and final versions approved by DS, JM, KFM, VP, SC, AS and RL. JM recruited the residents, and all interviews were conducted by KM. The analysis was undertaken by KM, DS and KFM. DS, KM and JM wrote the first draft of the paper, which was reviewed and the final version approved by KFM, VP, SC, AS and RL.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

    Katie MacLure, Katrina Forbes-McKay, Vibhu Paudyal, Scott Cunningham, Alison Strath, Rory Lynch & Derek Stewart

  2. NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

    Joan MacLeod

Authors
  1. Katie MacLure
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  2. Joan MacLeod
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  3. Katrina Forbes-McKay
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  4. Vibhu Paudyal
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  5. Scott Cunningham
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  6. Alison Strath
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  7. Rory Lynch
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  8. Derek Stewart
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Derek Stewart.

Ethics declarations

This work was supported by research funding from Aberdeen City Community Health Partnership. The funder played no role in the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of data, or writing of the study. This study had formal approval from the NHS North of Scotland Research Ethical Review Service (14/NW/1168) and NHS Grampian Research & Development Committee (2014RG002).

Conflict of interest

DS, KM, JM, KFM, VP, SC, AS and RL confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Cite this article

MacLure, K., MacLeod, J., Forbes-McKay, K. et al. A Case Study Investigation into the Use of Multi-compartment Compliance Aids in Older People Resident in Very Sheltered Housing. Patient 9, 583–590 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-016-0178-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-016-0178-8

Keywords

  • General Practitioner
  • National Health Service
  • Care Team
  • Formal Carer
  • Theoretical Domain Framework