Successful cardiovascular medication management processes as perceived by community-dwelling adults over age 74.

Older adults continue to experience problems with their medications, such as adverse drug events, incorrect use of prescription medications, and nonadherence to drug therapy. Using the qualitative approach of naturalistic inquiry, 27 community-dwelling adults over age 74 were interviewed and encouraged to describe situations or variables that help or hinder in their cardiovascular medication management processes. Helpful strategies included simplification, use of visual and tactile cues, and development of a medication routine. Hindering situations included decreased mental or sensory alertness, getting out of the routine, and not feeling well. Nurses can devise assessment and interventional methodologies from the themes described.