Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Psychoeducation on Medication Adherence among Older Adults with Chronic Illness: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Medication adherence is fundamental to successful management of chronic illnesses among older adults. However, age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, low health literacy, and psychosocial challenges contribute to poor adherence, leading to increased morbidity, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs. Nurse-led psychoeducation has emerged as a holistic intervention that combines disease education, behavioural counselling, motivational support, problem-solving, and caregiver involvement to improve medication-taking behaviour. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of nurse-led psychoeducational interventions in promoting medication adherence among older adults with chronic illnesses. Relevant literature published between 2015 and 2026 was identified through PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Evidence indicates that nurse-led psychoeducation significantly improves medication adherence, disease knowledge, self-efficacy, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life while reducing medication errors and avoidable hospital admissions. Interventions that incorporate individualized education, motivational interviewing, teach-back techniques, caregiver participation, and regular follow-up demonstrate the greatest effectiveness. Despite variations in intervention design and outcome measures, the available evidence supports integrating nurse-led psychoeducation into routine geriatric care. Future research should focus on standardized intervention protocols and long-term outcomes.