Improving quality of life of elderly people aged 85 and older by improving treatment adherence

Therapeutic adherence represents the extent to which the patient´s behavior follows medical recommendations. It is a complex process that strongly influences the quality of life of the each and everyone. We performed a retrospective study that included 126 very old patients (≥ 80 years old). Patients´ data were recorded in a database that contained demographic and clinical data and information about patient´s current medication. Information about therapeutical adherence was collected for each person by way of a questionnaire, which consisted in verifying their knowledge about their diet and medication and comparing it with information from past medical records or family members. We found several factors that influence adherence to treatment: living in the urban area, the number of pills prescribed by the general practitioner and a strong familial and financial support. Fighting non-adherence should rely upon two complementary directions: the multidisciplinary medical approach and the telemonitoring and e-health systems.