Liu J, Meyer K, Glassner A, Gonzales M, Bartlett Ellis RJ, Park H, Song L, Patel N, Wang J. Thematic Analysis of Alzheimer's Medication Management Discussion in a Non-Moderated Online Forum.
West J Nurs Res 2024;
46:307-314. [PMID:
38456477 PMCID:
PMC10955786 DOI:
10.1177/01939459241237671]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Managing medications for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is challenging for caregivers. Information about caregivers' strategies to manage these challenges is needed to inform intervention development.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to understand caregivers' medication management experiences by analyzing online community discussions.
METHODS
Posts were extracted from the ALZConnected® Forum using keywords "medication" and "drug" via web scraping. The researchers applied thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Four major themes emerged: (1) role transition of medication management responsibilities, (2) caregivers' uncertainty about medication purpose and values, (3) conflicts between the care recipients and caregivers, and (4) difficulty accessing and affording medications.
CONCLUSIONS
The experiences shared on a non-moderated, unstructured online forum indicate that medication management is challenging and overwhelming for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Since this is a progressive disease with various stages and changing needs, caregivers' strategies vary and are often limited by available resources and support. Health care providers should offer training and support for caregivers to navigate the transfer of medication management responsibilities and changing care needs as the disease progresses.
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