Attitudes, Beliefs and Perceptions of Medication Prescribing for Older First Nations Peoples: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE: To explore what is known about the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of appropriate prescribing from the view of older First Nations Peoples (aged 45 years or older, residing in the community or residential care), substitute decision-makers and health-care professionals working with First Nations Peoples. METHODS: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and PRISMA-ScR. Databases and grey literature sources were searched with no limitations from inception until 12 May 2025. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers, with full-text assessment for inclusion and data extraction undertaken by two independent reviewers. Study characteristics were described descriptively. RESULTS: Five articles were included for analysis. First Nations Peoples represented included Māori, American Indians and Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Health-care workers represented included Aboriginal Health Workers, general practitioners and nurses. From the older First Nations People's perspective, themes regarding traditional medicine use, lack of medication information provision and concerns about adverse effects were identified. Dominant themes from health-care workers included medication information, compliance to medications and continuity of care. CONCLUSIONS: Older First Nations Peoples expressed a desire for more medication information and culturally appropriate care. Included studies indicated most health-care workers supported interventions to increase knowledge and understanding of medications for First Nations Peoples. Unfortunately, paternalistic attitudes remain, which limit the provision of information and prevent a trusted partnership from forming.