ADITIVOS Y AGENTES

Approximately half of the participants in this study had a desire to improve their current system of managing medication information, primarily to become better

organized and improve their ability to recall and share details about their medications with others, regardless of the number of medications they were taking. Among possible improvements they suggested, nearly one-third felt some kind of electronic format for their medication information would be helpful, showing that a significant minority would be comfortable managing medication information electronically. Demographically, this sub-group differed only slightly from the rest of the sample: they were a little younger (65 years old as compared to 67), spent less than an hour more using the computer, and on average, took only one additional medication as compared with the larger group of participants. Almost all of this electronically-inclined sub-group wanted electronic

records in part because they thought it would keep their information better organized than their current system, and help them recall information (although some mentioned

portability also). In the wider population, it is possible that the percentage of those who want an electronic system for tracking medications would increase as the Baby Boom generation retires, many of whom are more comfortable with computers and the Internet than their older counterparts.

The highly organized minority who kept detailed records of their medications and medical history noted that finding specific information within these ultra-organized systems was a difficult task, suggesting that there could be value-added in an electronic information management system which provides search capabilities. This study also

indicates that any electronic management system should not be limited to prescription drugs alone in order to be useful to this population. While the participants in this study were taking multiple prescription medications, many also took over-the-counter

medications (sometimes, as recommended by their physicians) in addition to supplements, and occasionally homeopathic remedies. While non-prescription

medications were sometimes included on the lists they kept (and shared with healthcare providers), homeopathic remedies often were not.

Further studies that seek to build on the findings of this one could benefit from a larger sample, randomly selected from the population of interest. While this study can suggest possible trends, because of the convenience sampling method it may not be an accurate representation of the breadth of medication information management practices and needs of American adults aged 55 and older. Another avenue of needed research is describing medication information management artifacts currently used by adults. The variety of lists, sticky notes, pharmacy printouts, PDAs, and pill-bottle-placement memory aids used by the participants in this study give clues as to the wide diversity of people’s information management strategies for this particular task. Finally, more research is needed into all aspects of electronic health records, including those for personal uses such as medication information management. Some participants in this study saw clear benefits to having information available electronically in terms of accuracy of recall, organization, and ability to share information. While an electronic solution may not be appropriate for all users in the study population, it is one important

component of a more comprehensive and reliable system for managing critical prescription (and non-prescription) drug information.

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Attachment A: Screenshots of Medication Information Visualization Techniques Used in the Study