Individualised Foreign Language Medication Lists for Non-English Speaking Hospital Patients

Background: Language barriers can significantly impact on medication adherence and health outcomes. Aim: To assess the impact on medication adherence of individualised foreign language medication lists for non-English speaking hospital patients. Method: Patients using foreign language medication lists at The Alfred hospital were invited to participate in the study (June to September 2007). A quantitative questionnaire incorporating modified validated assessment tools was used to collect data on patient demographics, motivations and perceptions. Data were also collected on the impact of the foreign language medication list and the patient’s cultural environment on medication adherence. These factors were assessed for association with self-reported medication adherence and estimated using the Morisky score. Results: Two-thirds (n = 43) of respondents reported moderate to high medication adherent behaviour. Factors with a positive influence on medication adherence were female gender (Wilcoxon rank sum test = 2.7; p = 0.007), patients’ understanding of their medications (Spearman’s rho = +0.36; p = 0.02) and services provided by the hospital (p = 0.04). Factors with a negative influence on medication adherence were patients ’ dissatisfaction with medication counselling undertaken by pharmacists using a foreign language medication list without a translator (Spearman’s rho =-0.35; p = 0.02). Conclusion: The availability of translators working alongside pharmacists using foreign language medication lists could improve medication adherence. J Pharm Pract Res 2009; 39: 277-80