Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Case studies, experimental studies and quasi-experimental studies were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
A nursing intervention or treatment that fell within the realm of established nursing practice. The intervention had to have the purpose of improving the ability of clients to manage their own medications. The specific interventions found were: teaching session with phone call or instruction sheet; medication fact sheet with instruction and/or medication schedule; home visits with oral instruction; picture schedule; taped instruction; medication counselling and fact sheet. The control groups had alternative interventions or no treatment.
Participants included in the review
Three hundred and forty-two elderly people (convenience samples) were included. The participants were aged at least 65 years, and were managing their own medications in the home setting.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Compliance with medication, as assessed by pill count, survey or self-report. In addition, knowledge was assessed.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The titles and abstracts of the articles were examined by a single reviewer.