RELATIVE IMPORTANCE TO ELDERLY PATIENTS OF EFFECTIVENESS, ADVERSE-EFFECTS, CONVENIENCE AND COST OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS - A PILOT-STUDY

This pilot study was designed to investigate the attitudes of elderly patients regarding the choice of drugs for the treatment of hypertensi on. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of elderly patients r eceiving antihypertensive therapy regarding effectiveness, adverse eff ects, cost and convenience. Forced choices were used in order to refle ct practice realities. 44 patients, mean age 75.2 years, rated effecti veness and adverse effects more important than cost and convenience. C hoices regarding adverse effect risk were slightly influenced by costs of the drugs and insurance status of the patients. Choices regarding convenience were heavily influenced by financial considerations. Our s tudy indicates that elderly patients are most concerned about effectiv eness and safety. and express a willingness to pay more for these qual ities in their antihypertensive drugs.