Understanding Chronic Treatments by Patients Over 65 Years of Age

The ageing of the French population is accompanied by an increase in the number of chronic conditions per person. In 2008, according to IRDES (Institute for Research and Documentation in Health Economics), the average number of reported illnesses was six for people over the age of 65. This multi-morbidity is associated with polypharmacy, which is a recognised risk factor for poor treatment compliance. One of the causes of poor compliance is a lack of understanding of the treatment. In this context, the role of the general practitioner is central. General practitioners are responsible for more than three-quarters of medical prescriptions. They are the ones who initiate first-line treatments for chronic diseases, but also the ones who renew treatments introduced by specialists.