Plácido, Ana IsabelHerdeiro, Maria Teresa FerreiraSimões, João LindoAmaral, OdeteFigueiras Guzmán, AdolfoRoque, Fátima2020-11-242020-11-242020Plácido, A.I.; Herdeiro, M.T.; Simões, J.L.; Amaral, O.; Figueiras, A.; Roque, F. Voices of Polymedicated Older Patients: A Focus Group Approach. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 6443http://hdl.handle.net/10347/23775Polypharmacy in older adults is frequently associated with incorrect management of medicines, which causes drug-related problems and, subsequently, poor health outcomes. Understanding why older adults incorrectly manage their medicines is fundamental to health outcomes, however, it is an issue that remains poorly explored. The aim of this study is to examine older people’s perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and concerns in the central region of Portugal. Thirteen focus groups with sixty-one older adults taking five or more prescription medicines were conducted to explore older patients’ perceptions and beliefs about and management of their medication. Sampling was conducted until theme saturation had been achieved. Transcripts were coded and data were obtained using the NVivo qualitative data-analysis software programme. Older adults recognise the importance of medicines for ensuring healthy ageing. Owing to a lack of literacy, however, they frequently commit medication mistakes and compromise their health outcomes. Promoting the literacy and empowerment of older patients, as well as strengthening the relationship between health professionals and patients, is crucial when it comes to addressing drug-related problems and improving health outcomeseng© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Atribución 4.0 Internacionalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/PolypharmacyHome-dwelling older patientsMedication errorsFocus group sessionsjournal article10.3390/ijerph171864431660-4601open access