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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Morley
- Independent and supplementary prescriber, and MSc Candidate, Maternity and Neurology Services, Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust
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Ernawati I, Islamiyah WR, Sumarno. How to Improve Clinical Outcome of Epileptic Seizure Control Based on Medication Adherence? A Literature Review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:1174-1179. [PMID: 29983823 PMCID: PMC6026415 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) are the main therapy for epilepsy to prevent seizures. Non-adherence situation plays an important factor in the failure of seizure control. Such a condition may generate several impacts on clinical, social, and economic aspect. Several methods are used to measure adherence in epilepsy patients, including direct and indirect measurement. The direct measure involves measurement of drug levels in hair or body fluids such as blood and saliva. Whereas, indirect measure involves the non-biological tools, for example, a self-report measure, pill counts, appointment attendance, medication refills, and seizure frequency. Numerous factors may affect adherence in epilepsy patients, such as age, sex, and seizure aetiology, seizure sites, which are categorised as irreversible factors and hardly to be improved. However, there are factors that can be influenced to improve adherence such as patient knowledge, medication, cultural, health care professionals, and national health policies, which are related to treatment and education factor which is associated with behaviour to be likely adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iin Ernawati
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Gubeng, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | | | - Sumarno
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Gubeng, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
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Grabowski DC, Fishman J, Wild I, Lavin B. Changing the neurology policy landscape in the United States: Misconceptions and facts about epilepsy. Health Policy 2018; 122:797-802. [PMID: 29908672 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy has a relatively high prevalence, and diagnosis and treatment are often challenging. Seizure freedom without significant side effects is the ultimate goal for both physicians and patients, but not always achievable. In those cases, the treatment goals of patients and providers may differ. In the United States, many clinicians continue to prescribe older AEDs, even though newer AEDs have a more desirable safety and tolerability profile, fewer drug-drug interactions, and are associated with lower epilepsy-related hospital visits. Newer AEDs are more commonly prescribed by neurologists and epilepsy center physicians, highlighting the importance of access to specialty care. We report that antiepileptic drugs are not the dominant cost driver for patients with epilepsy and costs are considerably higher in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. Poor drug adherence is considered a main cause of unsuccessful epilepsy treatment and is associated with increases in inpatient and emergency department admissions and related costs. Interventions and educational programs are needed to address the reasons for nonadherence. Coverage policies placing a higher cost burden on patients with epilepsy lead to lower treatment adherence, which can result in higher future health care spending. Epilepsy is lagging behind other neurological conditions in terms of funding and treatment innovation. Increased investment in epilepsy research may be particularly beneficial given current funding levels and the high prevalence of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Grabowski
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5899, USA.
| | - Jesse Fishman
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
| | - Imane Wild
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
| | - Bruce Lavin
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
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Afra P, Bruggers CS, Sweney M, Fagatele L, Alavi F, Greenwald M, Huntsman M, Nguyen K, Jones JK, Shantz D, Bulaj G. Mobile Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) for the Treatment of Epilepsy: Development of Digital Therapeutics Comprising Behavioral and Music-Based Interventions for Neurological Disorders. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:171. [PMID: 29780310 PMCID: PMC5946004 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital health technologies for people with epilepsy (PWE) include internet-based resources and mobile apps for seizure management. Since non-pharmacological interventions, such as listening to specific Mozart's compositions, cognitive therapy, psychosocial and educational interventions were shown to reduce epileptic seizures, these modalities can be integrated into mobile software and delivered by mobile medical apps as digital therapeutics. Herein, we describe: (1) a survey study among PWE about preferences to use mobile software for seizure control, (2) a rationale for developing digital therapies for epilepsy, (3) creation of proof-of-concept mobile software intended for use as an adjunct digital therapeutic to reduce seizures, and (4) broader applications of digital therapeutics for the treatment of epilepsy and other chronic disorders. A questionnaire was used to survey PWE with respect to preferred features in a mobile app for seizure control. Results from the survey suggested that over 90% of responders would be interested in using a mobile app to manage their seizures, while 75% were interested in listening to specific music that can reduce seizures. To define digital therapeutic for the treatment of epilepsy, we designed and created a proof-of-concept mobile software providing digital content intended to reduce seizures. The rationale for all components of such digital therapeutic is described. The resulting web-based app delivered a combination of epilepsy self-care, behavioral interventions, medication reminders and the antiseizure music, such as the Mozart's sonata K.448. To improve long-term patient engagement, integration of mobile medical app with music and multimedia streaming via smartphones, tablets and computers is also discussed. This work aims toward development and regulatory clearance of software as medical device (SaMD) for seizure control, yielding the adjunct digital therapeutic for epilepsy, and subsequently a drug-device combination product together with specific antiseizure medications. Mobile medical apps, music, therapeutic video games and their combinations with prescription medications present new opportunities to integrate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for PWE, as well as those living with other chronic disorders, including depression and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Afra
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carol S Bruggers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Matthew Sweney
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Lilly Fagatele
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Fareeha Alavi
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Michael Greenwald
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Merodean Huntsman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Khanhly Nguyen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jeremiah K Jones
- Software Development Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Patient versus neurologist preferences: A discrete choice experiment for antiepileptic drug therapies. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 80:247-253. [PMID: 29433949 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This assessment was conducted to quantify and compare patient and neurologist preferences regarding antiepileptic drug (AED) attributes for treating epilepsy. METHODS Patients with epilepsy (≥18years, treated with AEDs) and neurologists were recruited from nationally representative US panels to complete an online survey that included a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Participants chose between two hypothetical AEDs, characterized by six attributes in the DCE, which included 1) level of seizure control/reduction; 2) dosing frequency, 3) diminished coordination and balance, 4) psychiatric issues, 5) diminished energy level, and 6) dietary restrictions. The Sawtooth Software Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) System for CBC Analysis was used to estimate treatment attribute ranking and weighting. RESULTS Of the 720 respondents (518 patients and 202 neurologists), both patients and neurologists ranked seizure control as the most important attribute (rank 1) and dietary restrictions as the least important attribute (rank 6). However, seizure control had a significantly greater weighting in neurologists' decision-making than among patients (45% vs 32%, p<0.005). On the other hand, patients considered the risks of psychiatric adverse effects (19% vs 15%), diminished coordination and balance (16% vs 10%), and fatigue or diminished energy (13% vs 11%) as significantly more important (p<0.05) than did neurologists. CONCLUSION Patients and neurologists had similar preference ranking order, with seizure reduction being ranked the most important attribute. However, neurologist treatment preferences were significantly more influenced by seizure reduction while patient preferences were significantly more influenced by adverse effects that may impact their quality of life. Understanding how patient and neurologist perspectives differ should encourage dialog to communicate the potential risks and benefits of AED therapy and assist in the shared decision-making process.
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Patients' perspectives on management and barriers of regular antiepileptic drug intake. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 79:162-168. [PMID: 29291547 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of our study was to assess the management of drug intake and potential barriers to adherence reported by two different patient groups. METHODS The study was performed in cooperation with the Regional Chamber of Pharmacists of Rhineland-Palatinate and three neurologists in private practice specialized in epileptology. In total, 108 patients surveyed in 43 pharmacies (Group P) and 118 patients treated by the specialized neurologists (Group N) completed anonymously a questionnaire on intake of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The statistical evaluation was performed using nonparametric tests and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Group N more often used adherence aids, compared with Group P (68.6% vs. 46.3%, p<0.01), and the number of doses per day was significantly lower in Group N (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.046), but the percentage of patients who reported problems with the regular intake of their medication did not differ significantly between groups (Group N vs. P: 47.0% vs. 40.0%). If patients noticed that they missed a dose, 45.3% completely skipped the missed dose (Group N vs. P: 43.0% vs. 48.1%, n.s.). In a multivariate analysis, significant risk factors of problems with regular drug intake were age<25yrs. (p<0.01) and patient-reported adverse effect of AED (p<0.01), followed by the number of AED doses per day (p<0.05), while gender, intake habits, usage of adherence aids, and patient-rated efficacy of AEDs were not significant. CONCLUSION Patients treated by neurologists specialized in epileptology did not report less problems with adherence than patients surveyed in pharmacies. Since barriers for a regular intake are diverse, the use of a short questionnaire on management of drug intake may lead to an individually tailored counseling of patients to improve adherence.
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Devine F, Edwards T, Feldman SR. Barriers to treatment: describing them from a different perspective. Patient Prefer Adherence 2018; 12:129-133. [PMID: 29398908 PMCID: PMC5775743 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s147420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor adherence is the result of many barriers. Most of the adherence research has focused on the patients' hurdles to adherence, instead of the responsibility the physician has for assuring adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to identify barriers to medication adherence and refocus how we describe those barriers in terms of physician behavior hurdles. METHODS PubMed was systematically searched for systematic reviews published between January 01, 2010, and December 06, 2017, that provided barriers to medication adherence. The searches were limited to reviews having adherence to medication prescribed in the outpatient setting as the main topic. RESULTS Thirty-one reviews were included in this review, covering 13 different disease categories. Fifty-eight different barriers to adherence to medications for chronic conditions were identified. Nineteen barriers were cited 6 or more times, and these were further categorized based on the World Health Organization's 5 dimensions of adherence and the number of times cited. CONCLUSION This review provides clear evidence that adherence to medication is affected by multiple barriers. To facilitate this, adherence barriers can be framed as physician/health system hurdles. With that focus in mind, we may put the responsibility where we have the most control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taylor Edwards
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Correspondence: Steven R Feldman, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA, Tel +1 336 716 7740, Fax +1 336 716 7732, Email
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Lamotrigine versus valproic acid monotherapy for generalised epilepsy: A meta-analysis of comparative studies. Seizure 2017; 51:95-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Reimers A, Olsson P, Nilsson J, Hoff E, Reis M, Strandberg M, Lundgren A, Källén K. Impact of generic substitution on levetiracetam serum concentration—A prospective study in an outpatient setting. Epilepsy Res 2017; 134:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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