Assistive technologies and interventions to enhance medication management among individuals with sensory impairments: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Medication management presents unique challenges for individuals with sensory impairments, often leading to medication errors, poor adherence and reduced independence. While assistive technologies offer promising solutions, evidence remains fragmented across sensory domains. This scoping review aimed to identify assistive technologies and other interventions, designed to support medication management among individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Relevant studies were analysed and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included from 12,537 citations and the findings were summarised using a narrative synthesis. Interventions targeting vision impairments included pharmacy-based assistive technologies, audio aids, eye-drop assistance devices, mobile applications, practical tools for pharmacists during patient counselling, aids to facilitate medication identification and administration, recommended dosage forms in prescribing and design-based enhancements for medication label accessibility. Hearing impairment interventions involved communication tools, improved patient counselling strategies, mobile applications and practical aid for taking medications.

CONCLUSION

Assistive technologies are pivotal in bridging accessibility gaps and promoting equitable medication use for individuals with sensory impairments. Integrating these tools into pharmacy and healthcare practice, guided by universal design principles, user training and policy support, can enhance medication safety, communication and self-management. Future research should prioritise real-world implementation, cost-effectiveness and scalability to ensure inclusive and sustainable access to these innovations.