HC Deb 11 May 1983 vol 42 cc310-1W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research studies there have been into the percentage of patients who fail to follow drug dosage instructions, and the reasons for their failing to do so.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I am not aware of any completed research, but the Department has recently agreed to fund a study of elderly people and their drug use. One of the specific aims of this research is to assess the extent to which drugs are not being taken as prescribed. The study will investigate the reasons for any failure to do so and suggest ways in which this problem could be reduced.