Study: Poverty increases the risk of receiving the wrong medication

The consequences are health risks such as falls, confusion, hospitalization or loss of independence – and thus often an accelerated path to the need for care.

Ailing health insurance systems: A structural problem

The Danish study results are not a special case, but rather exemplify a structural problem that affects many European healthcare systems. Financial bottlenecks, such as those currently evident in Germany and Austria, are leading to increasing pressure for reform, with savings often being made in the wrong places. Rising costs coupled with declining services put a strain on the security of care – especially for vulnerable target groups.

At the same time, there is a massive shortage of medical professionals. Doctors and nurses are under considerable time pressure, which increases the likelihood of diagnoses being made inaccurately and medication being prescribed uncritically. This puts the medical care of older people at risk.

Another factor is the increasing complexity of everyday medical life: when older people have several illnesses at the same time and need care, coordination is required – which is often no longer possible in overburdened systems. These hurdles are particularly high for socially disadvantaged groups.

Recommendations: How can we improve care?

Targeted measures are needed to ensure that care for older people is socially equitable and of high quality. A first step is to promote health literacy. Older people and their relatives need information to better understand medication and recognize risks. Overall, more prevention and health promotion is needed to prevent illnesses from occurring in the first place.

When people are increasingly cared for at home, digital assistance systems offer support: technologies such as reminder functions, e-healthcare in medically underserved regions, smart medication dispensers, or apps to assist with taking medication can help older people manage their health and medication (more) safely. However, these solutions must be explained in simple terms and made accessible.

The authors of the study point to the key role of primary care, in particular the role of GPs and nurses: they are the main contact persons for prescribing and monitoring medication. More time, resources and targeted training are needed here. Studies have shown that longer consultations, continuity in the relationship with a GP and better communication can make a difference in treatment.

Another factor is low-threshold social support systems – e.g. through volunteer support, visiting services or community contact points. These not only promote social participation, but can also help to identify health risks at an early stage.