Improving understanding of prescriptions for elderly patients
Writing: a Factor That Can Influence Understanding of Prescriptions in the Geriatric Population
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06855017
This study looks at how to make prescriptions clearer for elderly patients over 75 to help them understand their medications better and avoid mistakes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Paris) |
| Trial ID | NCT06855017 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on how the way prescriptions are written can impact the understanding of medication among elderly patients, particularly those over 75 years old. It aims to identify editorial and typographical choices that can enhance clarity and reduce medication errors. The study will involve patients who are accustomed to using pill dispensers and will assess their cognitive abilities to ensure they can comprehend their prescriptions. By introducing a state-qualified nurse to assist with medication management, the study seeks to improve therapeutic education and compliance in this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients over 75 years of age who are hospitalized and have a cognitive assessment score of 20 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with severe sensory disorders or significant dexterity issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce medication errors and improve compliance among elderly patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing literature on medication compliance in geriatrics, this specific approach focusing on prescription clarity is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients meeting the following criteria may be included in the study: * Patients over 75 years of age, * hospitalized in the UGA and/or SMR at Bretonneau, apart from a still active acute/confusional episode * Presenting a cognitive assessment by MMSE greater than or equal to 20 * accustomed to making their own pill dispenser at home, with the presence of a state-qualified nurse for other tasks (dressing/compression stockings/controls, etc.) not excluded - Exclusion Criteria: Patients with the following criteria cannot be included in the study: * Obvious sensory disorders, at the discretion of the physician: * Disabling hearing problems without hearing aids, preventing them from following a conversation * Visual impairment preventing reading * Dexterity problems preventing the handling of medication blisters (e.g. stroke with severe motor impairment of the right upper limb, uncontrolled Parkinson's disease, etc.). * Poor command of the French language/illiteracy * Patients under guardianship or curators * No affiliation to a social security scheme * Patient under AME * Opposition to participation in research
Where this trial is running
Paris
- Hôpital Bretonneau — Paris, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charlotte Golstein — Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
- Study coordinator: Charlotte Golstein
- Email: charlotte.golstein@aphp.fr
- Phone: 0153111835
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Prescription Medication Understanding, geriatry, prescription medication