Pharmaceutical Care as Described by Home-Dwelling Older People in Finland

Background and Objective. Pharmaceutical care is one of the most important therapeutic tools in older people care. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of older home-dwelling people's about their perceptions of pharmaceutical care and use of medication. Material and Methods. The data were collected using theme interviews with 16 older Finnish people (born 1920). Inductive content analysis was used in analyzing the data. Results. Older people's knowledge about their pharmaceutical care varied widely: some had precise knowledge whereas others had none. Guidance in pharmaceutical care was not readily available. The interviewees took a positive attitude toward their pharmaceutical care and favored a minimum use of medication. Being able to cope independently with their pharmaceutical care strengthened the older people's sense of control over their lives. Conclusions. The study offers new knowledge about the significance of older people's individual pharmaceutical care at home. By listening to and utilizing older people's experiences, we can recognize the factors that promote the independent coping and inclusion of older people in their pharmaceutical care. This enables health care providers to increase the safety and quality of pharmaceutical care for older people.