The spatial dimensions of medication management by home-dwelling older adults after hospital discharge. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roux, Pauline; Verloo, Henk; Santiago-Delefosse, Marie; Pereira, Filipa
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 60(2019:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Medication -- Home -- Older adults -- Discharge home -- Informal caregivers; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Ageing in place raises pressing questions about medication practices at home. Understanding how medication practices are integrated into older adults' domestic settings requires an interest in where activities linked to medication take place and why. This study aimed to describe the medication practices and spatial dimensions of medication management for home-dwelling older adults after hospital discharge, using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten older adults aged 65 years old or more and discharged home from hospital, together with nine informal caregivers. Thematic content analysis identified two main themes dealing with the spatial dimensions of medication management in this specific context: the process of integrating medication changes into routines and familiar spaces, and the individual and collective management of medication changes linked to a renegotiation of the boundaries between public and private spaces. Highlights: Older adults discharged home from hospital are at risk of disrupted medication management. Changes in the medication practices' places at home reveal the adjustment processes linked to new treatments or medicines. Reorganising medication practices after discharge home should involve informal and professional caregivers. Boundaries between public and private spaces are renegotiated during discharge processes.