Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Nursing Technician-Led Patient Education Program on Improving Medication Adherence and Reducing Adverse Drug Events among Elderly Patients in Hafr Al-Batin: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing technician-led patient education program on improving medication adherence and reducing adverse drug events among elderly patients in Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 nursing technicians and 30 elderly patients who participated in the education program across 5 primary healthcare centers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews exploring experiences and perceptions of the program's impact. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and reflexive journaling.

Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) Enhanced patient knowledge and understanding of medications, with participants noting the clarity and practicality of the education provided; (2) Improved medication adherence, as patients reported increased motivation and strategies to take medications as prescribed; (3) Reduced adverse drug events, with patients and nursing technicians describing fewer medication errors and side effects; and (4) Empowerment of nursing technicians, who felt more confident and valued in their patient education roles.

Conclusions: A nursing technician-led patient education program can effectively improve medication adherence and safety among elderly patients in primary care settings. The program empowers nursing technicians to play a key role in patient education. These findings support the expansion of such programs to optimize medication use and outcomes in geriatric care.