Roberta L Fulton

Biography

Following a career in nursing Roberta has co-ordinated several research studies within the department of Ageing & Health while completing an MSc by Research in 2013 investigating the effect of vitamin K on vascular health and physical functioning in 80 older people with vascular disease. Roberta is currently a PhD researcher funded by Chief Scientists Office. The study “Improving adherence to medication in older heart failure patients – a mixed methods study” commenced January 2014 under the supervision of Professor Marion McMurdo, Dr Miles Witham and Professor Thilo Kroll. The PhD aims to combine both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to establish drivers and barriers to medication adherence in heart failure culminating in the development of a tailored intervention to enhance medication adherence in older heart failure patients. 

Research Interest

Heart Failure is a major cause of poor health, hospitalisation and death, particularly amongst older people. While the prescribing of effective medications can improve these outcomes, many patients do not take their medications as prescribed. Little information exists as to what may encourage patients with heart failure to take their medication. Using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques this study will explore why older people with heart failure do not take their medication. Patients and nominated carers will take part in semi-structured interviews before the observational study of 60 older heart failure patients measures adherence by assessing blood and urinary samples and by checking the number of prescriptions issued. Questionnaires will examine beliefs about medication and about their illness. Finally, a package will be created to help and encourage heart failure patients to take their medication regularly. This in turn should improve their symptoms, postpone death and reduce the chance of costly hospital admissions.