Priorities for medication management information resources for people with dementia and carers: a community-driven approach using a modified Delphi method.

BACKGROUND

Managing medications safely can be challenging for people with dementia and carers living in the community and medication errors can be a source of preventable harm. Resources to support people in medication management must address their information needs and prioritise these alongside those of broader stakeholders.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to generate content statements for inclusion in tailored medication management literacy resources for people with dementia and carers.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

Using a community-based participatory research approach, we established a Medication Management Guidance Partnership: collaboration between the research team, research advisory group, and partner organisations. A mixed-method approach generated 49 statements (Phase 1) then we conducted an online modified Delphi process to gain consensus (Rounds 1 and 2) and prioritise statement order (Round 3) for inclusion in resources (Phase 2). Primary criterion for consensus required ≥80% of participants rating statements as important (≥7 on 9-point Likert-type scale). Secondary criteria assessed response variability, and statements were required to meet all criteria for inclusion.

RESULTS

People with dementia (n = 5), carers (n = 5), healthcare professionals and/or national consumer organisation representatives (n = 13) reached consensus on 44 statements across six information domains. 'Information about decision-making' was ranked highest, followed by 'general question prompts', 'information about common medications', 'addressing complexities,' 'getting guidance in different languages' and 'additional supports.'

CONCLUSION

Our 'menu' of statements about medication management priorities, endorsed by end-users, can be used to guide development of resources to improve medication management and potentially reduce medication-related harm in this population.