Exploring the use of digital and paper-based patient-held medication lists to improve medication adherence and health outcomes in polypharmacy: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Medication non-adherence is a major global healthcare challenge, particularly among adults with polypharmacy. Patient-held medication lists (PHMLs) may empower patients and support better medication adherence. OBJECTIVES: To systematically map existing literature on the impact of PHMLs on adherence, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among adults with polypharmacy. METHODS: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, and ProQuest) between 2010 and March 2025. Eligible studies included adults with polypharmacy, evaluating PHMLs in any healthcare setting, and reporting at least one outcome of interest. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. Three of seven showed significant improvement in adherence, and two of four reported better glycemic control, improved lipid profiles, or a reduction in hospitalization rates. Patient satisfaction improved in all seven studies assessing it. Three of five studies found significant reductions in medication errors and serious side effects. CONCLUSION: PHMLs show promise in improving adherence, satisfaction, selected clinical outcomes, and medication safety in polypharmacy, despite mixed results. Further research should assess long-term impacts and scalable implementation.