Review Article

Clinical Pharmacology in Old Persons

Table 3

Structured history taking of medication use (SHIM) questionnaire (Drenth-van Maanen et al., 2011 [8]; http://www.ephor.eu).

Questions asked per drug on the medication list, provided by the community pharmacist

(1) Are you using this drug as prescribed (dosage, dose frequency, dosage form)?
(2) Are you experiencing any side effects?
(3) What is the reason for deviating (from the dosage, dose frequency, or dosage form) or not taking a drug at all?
(4) Are you using any other prescription drugs, which are not mentioned on this list? (View medication containers)
(5) Are you using non-prescription drugs?
(6) Are you using homeopathic drugs or herbal medicines (especially st. Johns wort)?
(7) Are you using drugs that belong to family members or friends?
(8) Are you using any drugs “on demand”?
(9) Are you using drugs that are no longer prescribed?

Questions concerning the use of medicines

(10) Are you taking your medication independently?
(11) Are you using a dosage system?
(12) Are you experiencing problems taking your medication?
(13) In case of inhalation therapy: What kind of inhalation system are you using? Are you experiencing any problems using this system?
(14) In case of eye drops: Are you experiencing any difficulties using the eye drops?
(15) Do you ever forget to take your medication? If so, which medication, why, and what do you do?

Other

(16) Would you like to comment on or ask a question about your medication?