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Readiness of the elderly for smart technology solutions in everyday pharmacotherapy

  • At: PPR SIG 2021 (2021)
  • Type: Digital
  • By: SPASIć, Ana (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia)
  • Co-author(s): Ana Spasić, Aleksandra Catić-Đorđević, Nikola Stefanović
  • Abstract:

    Introduction

    Many medical problems arise from the fact that elderly people have to administer a lot of drugs in a daily manner. The concept of smart healthcare has gradually come to the fore, providing patient approach more convenient, efficient, and personalized.

    Objectives

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the readiness of the elderly to accept and apply smart technology solutions regarding the simplification of the drug usage process.

    Methods

    The study enrolled 220 respondents, older than 65 years, who live in the region of Nis, Republic of Serbia. The research was conducted using a survey consisting of questions regarding respondents\’ demographic characteristics, diseases, medication, problems they have experienced during drug usage, respondents\’ perception of the pharmacist role in therapy management, and respondents\’ readiness to use new technology solutions considering drug usage. Of all surveys, 18 were excluded from the research due to incompleteness.

    Results

    The average age in the study population was 73.47 years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia were presented with 86.13%, 19.8%, 13.86%, respectively. Polypharmacy was observed in 32.67%, while drug-related problems (omitted dose, wrong dose, wrong dosing interval) occurred in 66.34% of respondents. The pharmacist was recognized by 82.18% as a person who can significantly help them use medication appropriately. More than half surveyed population (56.44%) had a positive attitude towards the use of smart technology solutions that would facilitate the proper drug administration. Still, only 68.32% of the respondents had internet access, limiting the use of modern, smart technology solutions that are mostly dependent on the internet.

    Conclusion

    The findings suggest that the elderly may have positive attitudes regarding modern technology as part of routine healthcare. Still, limited internet access is a signal for additional education, which will facilitate the usage of drugs. The pharmacist, recognized as trustworthy healthcare professionals may be significant in this process.

Last update 28 September 2023

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