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DOI: 10.1177/0894318408319276 Keys to Successful Self-Management of MedicationsIllinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois Medication use by community-dwelling elderly accounts for a significant portion of all U.S. drug use. Many elderly manage over three prescriptions a day. Recent evidence indicates that non-adherence to prescribed drug regimens can lead to symptoms that result in hospitalizations. The study's purpose was to explore self-management of medications as perceived by community-dwelling elderly. Guided by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, 19 older adults were interviewed about their medication self-management practices. Inductive data analysis revealed three major themes: successful self-management of medications, living orderly, and aging well. Success in establishing individual management systems may be the result of developing and maintaining orderly lifestyles.
Key Words: elderly medication Orem self-management
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