Effectiveness of a pharmacist-delivered educational intervention on medication adherence among older adults in residential aged care: a pre–post study using MyMAAT-12

Older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) often take multiple medications and rely on staff for administration, but they may still face challenges in understanding and managing their medicines. This study aimed to evaluate whether a one-time, pharmacist-led educational session could improve medication adherence among RACF residents in Muar, Johor, Malaysia. We conducted a pre– post study involving 100 residents aged 60 years and above across six RACFs. Adherence was assessed using the Malaysian Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT-12), a validated questionnaire that covers both behavioral and psychological aspects of medication use. Each resident was interviewed by a pharmacist who assessed their adherence and then provided tailored education using the teachback method. The same adherence assessment was repeated three months later. Results showed that the proportion of residents with good adherence (score ≥54) increased from 76% to 85% after the intervention (McNemar’s test, p = 0.004). Statistically significant but modest improvements were observed in residents’ confidence in managing their own medications and in their motivation to take medicines without needing reminders or support from others. However, most items related to routine medication behaviors, such as forgetting doses or missing appointments, did not show much change, possibly because these were already well managed in the RACF setting. No strong link was found between adherence and demographic or clinical characteristics such as age, gender, or number of illnesses. This study shows that a simple, one-time pharmacist intervention can improve important aspects of medication adherence, especially motivation and self-management, in institutionalized older adults. It highlights the valuable role pharmacists can play in supporting safer and more informed medication use in aged care settings.