Medication compliance in older individuals with depression: gaining the views of family carers.

Documented evidence indicates that medication non-compliance for the older person is a common and poorly understood problem. This paper reports on a pilot study, which used a focus group interview to explore carers' attitudes, experiences and perceptions regarding medication compliance for their older depressed relative. It aimed to understand the problems and challenges encountered by carers in respect of their relative being non-compliant, and provide material to develop a comprehensive educational and support package to promote antidepressant compliance. A convenience sample of seven carers participated in the focus group and a qualitative analysis of the interview identified a number of key issues. Carers had little knowledge of depression, they were not well informed regarding antidepressant medication and they took an active role to ensure compliance. The focus group highlighted the need for health care professionals to promote and encourage carers to be part of the older individuals treatment programme and provide concise and unambiguous educational information in relation to antidepressants and the importance of compliance.