| Nondrugcompliance is a critical medication problems of elderly patients with chronic diseases. This study aims to search drug therapy problems in elderly diabetic patients intended to evaluate a Self-Medicated Sample Card on patient’s medication compliance, satisfaction and clinical outcome. An experimental study was inducted in elderly diabetic outpatients of Warinchumrab Hospital. 42 volunteers between March 2006 to May 2007 were given counseling and Self-Medicated Sample Card. Another two interviews follow up monthly.
The results showed that forty-two patients experienced noncompliance problems. The female = male ratio was 3=1. Their average age was 75.3+ 5.4 years. Most patients (40.48 %) was uneducated. The levels of fasting plasma glucose at the first time interview 139+ 31.7 mg/dL. The number of drug therapy problems after three consecutive follow-ups was decreased from 3.8 + 1.0 to 1.4 + 1.2 drug therapy problems per case. Of these, 41.8 percent were the problems from nondrugcompliance, followed by drug safety (36.1%). The number of patient noncompliance after receiving Counseling and Self-Medicated Sample Card, and three follow ups was significantly decreased (p<0.05). The issue of noncompliance regarding “taking drugs less than ordered” was mostly found in volunteers (72.7%). The main cause nondrugcompliance was due to unintentional cause (57.6%) percent, such as forgetfulness. All patients were positively satisfied with the researcher counseling service and the use of Self-Medicated Sample Card. Finally the levels of fasting plasma glucose was decreased but were not statistically different. |