Medication Literacy in Hospitalized Older Adults: Concept Development.

backgroundMedication literacy encompasses the cognitive and social skills necessary for individuals to obtain, comprehend, communicate, calculate, and process medication-related information necessary to make informed decisions. Personal and contextual factors are widely recognized to influence the way that individuals acquire and maintain medication literacy skills. Despite a growing number of studies on medication literacy, current definitions remain general, lacking consideration for the specificities of older adults and hospitalization.

objectiveThe project was conducted to identify, compare, and summarize the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of medication literacy in hospitalized older adults and to propose a refined definition.

methodsA three-phase hybrid model of concept development was performed that included a literature review and focus groups with hospital nurses. In the final analytic phase, findings from the literature and focus groups were compared, and a refined definition of the concept was elaborated. KEY

resultsFrom the synthesis of 24 publications and the narrative data of 14 hospital nurses, 19 themes were described: 4 related to attributes, 8 to antecedents, and 7 to consequences. Medication literacy of hospitalized older adults has been further defined as the degree to which older adults and/or their natural caregivers can develop and maintain multidimensional skills, namely functional, interactive, and critical medication literacy skills. Adjustment of these skills is characterized by a dynamic and potentially complex process. In practice, optimal medication literacy might be achieved through control of and involvement in the medication regimen and the decisions related to it, and/or by using practical means to facilitate medication self-management (e.g., using lists, notes, reminders).

conclusionsThe proposed refined definition might enhance professionals' common understanding of the concept and its application in practice, policy, and research. Managing a medication regimen is a complex activity that requires a high level of integration and coordination of cognitive and social skills. [