The Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen as an indicator for medication adherence among adults accessing community mental health services
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: Medication remains the cornerstone treatment for mental illness. Cognition is one of the strongest predictors of non-adherence. The aim of this preliminary investigation was to examine the association between the Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen (LACLS) and medication adherence among a small sample of mental health service users to determine whether the LACLS has potential as a screening tool for capacity to manage medication regimens. Method: Demographic and clinical information was collected from a small sample of people who had recently accessed community mental health services. Participants then completed the LACLS and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) at a single time point. The strength of association between the LACLS and MARS was examined using Spearman rank-order correlation. Results: A strong positive correlation between the LACLS and medication adherence (r = 0.71, p = 0.01) was evident. No participants reported the use of medication aids despite evidence of impaired cognitive functioning. Conclusion: This investigation has provided the first empirical evidence indicating that the LACLS may have utility as a screening instrument for capacity to manage medication adherence among this population. While promising, this finding should be interpreted with caveats given its preliminary nature.
Journal
British Journal of Occupational Therapy
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N/A
Volume
76
ISBN/ISSN
1477-6006
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Issue
3
Pages Count
7
Location
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Publisher
College of Occupational Therapists
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Publisher Location
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Date
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EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.4276/030802213X13627524435180