Background

Older people with multimorbidity are usually required to manage multiple medications and complex medication regimens. However, clinical guidelines for medication management almost entirely focus on a single disease. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of medication self-management interventions for older people with multimorbidity.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led medication self-management intervention on medication adherence and health outcomes in older people with multimorbidity.

Design

A single-blind, two-arm randomised controlled trial.

Settings

Three community health centres in Changsha, China.

Participants

Older people with multimorbidity.

Methods

A total of 136 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into either a 6-week nurse-led medication self-management intervention group (n = 67) or usual care group (n = 69). The intervention consisted of three one-on-one educational sessions on medication-related information, motivation and self-management skills and two follow-up phone calls. The primary outcome was medication adherence. Secondary outcomes included medication self-management capacity, treatment experiences, quality of life and utilisation of health care services. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. The intervention effects were assessed using generalised estimating equation models.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were found in medication adherence (β = 1.63, p = 0.034), medication knowledge (β = 2.61, p < 0.001), beliefs about harm of medication (β = − 1.83, p < 0.001), medication self-efficacy (β = 3.22, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with convenience of medication use (β = 5.02, p = 0.005) for the intervention group compared with the control group immediately post-intervention. Compared with the control group at 3 months follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in medication knowledge (β = 2.26, p < 0.001), beliefs about necessity of medication (β = 2.68, p = 0.002) and concerns about medication (β = − 2.44, p = 0.002), medication self-efficacy (β = 1.87, p = 0.015) and medication burden (β = − 3.96, p = 0.004). Improved medication adherence was observed in the intervention group at 3 months follow-up compared with baseline, although the differences between the groups were not significant. No statistically significant effects were found on quality of life and utilisation of health care services at either time point.

Conclusions

A 6-week medication self-management intervention significantly improved medication adherence immediately post-intervention, suggesting a short-term intervention effect. A longer intervention period and continuous follow-up support may be required to achieve sustained improvements in medication adherence and health outcomes in older people with multimorbidity.

Registration

ChiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2000030011); Start of recruitment: June 2020.