Appropriate use of dose administration aids

Dose administration aids can improve medicines management for some people. However, they have a number of limitations and are not suitable for all patients. Patient assessment is required to identify factors contributing to non-adherence or medication errors. Strategies like simplifying the drug regimen, education and counselling, and a medicines reminder chart or alarm, should be considered before using a dose administration aid. The patient s preferences and attitude to medicine-taking, and their suitability for a dose administration aid, should also be explored. When dose administration aids are packed by a third party such as a community pharmacy, interdisciplinary communication and teamwork, patient education, monitoring and regular medicines reconciliation and review are vital to minimise the risk of problems.