Significant unmet medication management information needs are evident for people living with dementia and their carers. Misinformation or lack of information can increase the risk of medication related harm, including potentially avoidable hospital admissions. Existing information resources to guide medication management are not co-designed or applicable across community and residential care settings.

A community-based participatory research was used to identify key stakeholder perspectives on what information should be included in medication management resources for people with living dementia and their carers. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with people living with dementia (n=2), carers (n=3), healthcare professionals (n=8), advocates and professional organisations (n=9). Using content analysis, focus groups and interview transcripts were examined to identify priorities for medication management resources in community and aged care settings.

Twenty-two participants identified four priorities for inclusion in a medication management information resource, including: 1) question prompts to facilitate partnership between the individual, their carer and health professional, 2) informed consent and active participation in shared decision-making for prescribed medications 3) more information on the benefits and risks of common medications, and 4) addressing medication challenges to support adherence, progressive changes in behaviour, transitions in care, and cultural considerations.

Study findings have informed development of new co-designed resources that aim to improve the quality and clarity of information provided to empower people with dementia and their carers to actively and effectively lead medication management activities.