Medication adherence: Factors influencing compliance with prescribed medication plans

Determining the health-seeking behaviors of people with epilepsy

PURPOSE

Health-seeking behaviors of individuals who have epilepsy might affect the treatment of the disease, recovery process, and self-care activities. The present study was conducted to determine the health-seeking behaviors of individuals who have epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional design with 190 epilepsy patients who applied to the Neurology Clinic in the north and east of Turkey between April 2023 and January 2024. The data of the study were collected by using the Introductory Data Form, Health-Seeking Behavior Scale (HSBS). The IBM SPSS 27 software, variance analysis, Tamhane T2, ANOVA Test, Tukey Test, and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to evaluate the study data.

RESULTS

The mean score of the online health-seeking behavior sub-dimension of the Health-Seeking Behavior Scale of the individuals who had epilepsy was found to be 13.32 ± 5.40, the mean score of the professional health-seeking behavior sub-dimension was 9.92 ± 2.75, and the mean score of the traditional health-seeking behavior sub-dimension was 8.46 ± 3.29. No significant differences were detected between individuals' sex, seizure types, and health-seeking behaviors, and a significant difference was detected between marital status, educational status, place of residence, occupation, income level, seizure frequency, and medication use status and health-seeking behaviors (p < 0.05). According to the multiple linear regression analysis that was used to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics of individuals with epilepsy on health seeking behavior scale scores, it was found that sociodemographic characteristics such as educational status, place of residence, marital status, and age significantly affected online, professional, and traditional health seeking behavior scores.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it was found in the present study that the online health-seeking behavior of the individuals who had epilepsy was higher than other health-seeking behaviors. The health-seeking behaviors of patients were affected by sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., marital status, educational status, place of residence, occupation, income level, seizure frequency, and medication use). It is of great importance to conduct larger future studies on individuals who have epilepsy and are seeking traditional treatment for epileptic seizures because the sources from which health information is obtained might affect the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery processes.

Recent Advances in the Wearable Devices for Monitoring and Management of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is an acute and degenerative condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis and treatment of HF can significantly enhance patient outcomes through admission and readmission reduction and improve quality of life. Being a progressive condition, the continuous monitoring of vital signs and symptoms of HF patients to identify any deterioration and to customize treatment regimens can be beneficial to the management of this disease. Recent breakthroughs in wearable technology have revolutionized the landscape of HF management. Despite the potential benefits, the integration of wearable devices into HF management requires careful consideration of technical, clinical, and ethical challenges, such as performance, regulatory requirements and data privacy. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of wearable devices in heart failure monitoring and management, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the field.

How do the guideline recommendations work for you? Patients' perceived effectiveness of therapeutic approaches in arterial hypertension

Blood pressure remains in the hypertensive range in nearly half of those affected by arterial hypertension despite it being an extremely modifiable risk factor, whereby morbidity decreases significantly upon implementation of lifestyle-based therapeutic approaches. There are significant discrepancies between the S3 guideline's recommendations and its implementation. In this cross-sectional study sampling 160 inpatients with arterial hypertension, we assessed patients' perceptions of secondary prevention therapeutic approaches recommended to them within treatment guidelines. Additionally, we used psychometric questionnaires to assess prevention factors. We conducted a latent class analysis to identify patterns in patients' views, and tested for group differences regarding gender, age, education years, body mass index, psychopathology, and blood pressure. Two latent classes could be identified: Class 1 tended to perceive all recommended therapeutic approaches as helpful and reflected individuals with high-normal blood pressure. Class 2 tended to view recommendations regarding weight reduction, and cessation of nicotine and alcohol use, as less effective and included those with mild hypertension. There were no statistically significant class differences regarding the socio-demographic parameters. We further examined the evaluation of therapeutic approaches independent of classes, with social support reported to be the most effective approach. In conclusion, persistently-elevated blood pressure may be linked to poorer perceptions of therapeutic approaches which are then not implemented. Furthermore, patient-centered treatment planning and concepts such as shared decision-making appear to be central in treating this population regarding secondary prevention.

Knowledge of vitamin D and practices of vitamin D supplementation in a Scottish adult population: A cross-sectional study

Background: Vitamin D supplementation practices (dose and frequency) are relatively unknown in the Scottish population, with no recent up-to-date data available. Reassessing current knowledge, practices, and awareness of vitamin D supplementation following a national health campaign in 2020 by Food Standards Scotland on vitamin D is warranted. Aim: This article aims to present the knowledge and awareness of vitamin D, and current vitamin D supplementation practices in adults living in Scotland. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between June and July 2022 using an online survey adapted from previous work on assessing knowledge of vitamin D in adults. Participants aged 18+, living in Scotland for ≥6 months were eligible to participate. Scores for knowledge were calculated as a percentage. Univariate associations between demographic and supplement use were established by χ2-test and logistic regression performed to predict factors associated with daily vitamin D intake. Results: Four hundred and three participants (72.7% female), mean age 36.4 (±14.2 years), completed the study. Awareness of vitamin D was very high (99.5%) but the mean overall knowledge score was poor (31.4 ± 15.3%), with those with a university degree more likely to have knowledge scores at/above the mean compared with those with lower levels of education, χ2(1, N = 393) 10.7, p = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-2.7). Finally, 64.3% took vitamin D supplements, of which 37.5% took them daily during winter months, with only 7.4% taking the recommended daily dose. Conclusion: The current study highlights the need to improve both knowledge of vitamin D and practices of vitamin D supplementation during the autumn and winter months in Scotland.

Predictors of All-Cause 30-Day Readmissions in Patients with Heart Failure at an Urban Safety Net Hospital: The Importance of Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a frequent cause of readmissions. Despite caring for underresourced patients and dependence on government funding, safety net hospitals frequently incur penalties for failing to meet pay-for-performance readmission metrics. Limited research exists on the causes of HF readmissions in safety net hospitals. Therefore, we sought to investigate predictors of 30-day all-cause readmission in HF patients in the safety net setting.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted for HF from October 2018 to April 2019. We extracted data on demographics and medical comorbidities and performed patient-specific review of social determinants and mental health in 4 domains: race/ethnicity, housing status, substance use, and mental illness. Multivariable Poisson regression modeling was employed to evaluate associations with 30-day all-cause readmission.

Results

The study population included 290 patients, among whom the mean age was 59 years and 71% (n = 207) were male; 42% (120) were Black/African American (AA), 22% (64) were Hispanic/Latino, and 96% (278) had public insurance; 28% (79) were not housed, 19% (56) had a diagnosis of mental illness, and active substance use was common. The 30-day readmission rate was 25.5% (n = 88). Factors that were associated with increased risk of readmission included self-identifying as Black/AA (relative risk 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.00-5.20) or Hispanic/Latino (2.53, 1.07-6.00), experiencing homelessness (2.07, 1.21-3.56), living in a shelter (3.20, 1.27-8.02), or intravenous drug use (IVDU) (2.00, 1.08-3.70).

Conclusion

Race/ethnicity, housing status, and substance use were associated with increased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission in HF patients in a safety net hospital. In contrast to prior studies, medical comorbidities were not associated with increased risk of readmission.

Outcomes of Trainee-performed MIGS at Parkland Memorial Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aims and background

As the use of minimally invasive or microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) continues to expand, it is important to look at its outcomes in the hands of trainees. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy and endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) with cataract extraction (CE) done by residents and fellows.

Methods

All cases of KDB or ECP performed with CE between 2012 and 2020 at Parkland were reviewed, excluding cases with multiple MIGS procedures or other procedures.

Results

A total of 153 eyes of 136 patients who underwent KDB and 125 eyes of 124 patients who underwent ECP were included. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 17.2 ± 5.2 at baseline to 15.4 ± 5.5 mm Hg at postoperative (post-op) month (POM) 12 in the KDB group (p = 0.02) and from 18.6 ± 6.3 at baseline to 15.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg at POM12 in the ECP group (p < 0.001), with wide variation in IOP change among subjects for both. The mean change in IOP across all time points was statistically significant for both groups. Medication counts were reduced from baseline at POMs 1, 3, and 6, but not 12, in both the KDB and ECP groups (p = 0.43 and p = 0.35, respectively). The rate of serious complications was very low; the most common complication was cystoid macular edema (CME) (six cases) and active inflammation beyond POM1 (15 cases) for KDB and ECP, respectively.

Conclusion

Combined CE/MIGS procedures performed by trainees were safe but less efficacious in lowering IOP and medications compared to literature reporting outcomes of attending surgeons, apart from ECP/MIGS with regards to IOP lowering, which was found to be similarly efficacious.

Clinical significance

Cataract extraction (CE) combined with KDB or ECP in the hands of trainees decreased mean IOP from baseline and was safe. IOP and medication reduction of MIGS/CE in the hands of trainees were overall lesser than reported values by attending surgeons.

How to cite this article

Da J, Gillings M, Kamat S, et al. Outcomes of Trainee-performed MIGS at Parkland Memorial Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(3):134-140.

Chronic pediatric diseases and risk for reading difficulties: a narrative review with recommendations

Literacy is a major social determinant of health, rooted in skills that develop during early childhood. Children arriving at kindergarten unprepared to learn to read are more likely to have low reading proficiency thereafter. General and health literacy are highly correlated, affecting understanding of health conditions, treatment adherence, and transition to self-care and adult healthcare services. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends literacy and school readiness promotion during well-visits and neurodevelopmental surveillance is emphasized across primary and subspecialty care. While genetic and environmental risk factors for reading difficulties are well-established, risks related to complex and chronic medical conditions are less appreciated and under-researched. This review applies an eco-bio-developmental framework to explore literacy across five complex chronic conditions affecting millions of children worldwide: asthma, cancer, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, and sickle cell disease. In each, integration of an efficient reading brain network may be impacted by direct factors, such as ischemia, anesthesia, and/or medications, and also indirect factors, such as altered parent-child routines, hospital stays, and missed school. By integrating literacy into care management plans for affected children, pediatric primary care and specialty providers are poised to identify risks early, target guidance and interventions, and improve academic and health outcomes. IMPACT: While genetic and environmental risk factors for reading difficulties are well-established, risks related to complex and/or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, and sickle cell disease are substantial, less appreciated, and under-researched. General and health literacy are highly correlated, with implications for the understanding one's health condition, treatment adherence, and transitioning to self-care, which is especially important for children with complex and/or chronic illness. Pediatric primary care and specialty providers are poised to integrate reading and literacy into care management plans for children with complex and/or chronic illness, including early screening, guidance, support, and interventions.

Qualitative Analysis of Interviews and Focus Groups Exploring Factors Contributing to Adherence to GnRH Agonists in Men with Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Side effects from the prolonged use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may lead to nonadherence to the treatment in men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). We investigated the reasons contributing to nonadherence to GnRH agonists through interviews with men with PCa and focus groups with their health care professionals.

DATA SOURCES

The three stages of the study were validation of themes, interviews with men on GnRH agonists, and focus groups with oncology specialists and clinical nurse specialists. An experienced oncologist validated factors contributing to nonadherence identified from the literature. A total of 10 men with PCa were recruited from a large teaching hospital and were interviewed on a one-to-one basis using a topic guide. In stage three, two separate focus groups were held with oncology specialists and clinical nurse specialists treating men with PCa. The interviews and focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Initial codes identified from stage three were grouped into themes and thematically analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Themes identified from the interviews and focus groups influencing adherence to treatment were side effects of treatment, patient belief system, benefits outweigh harm, quality of life over quantity of life, social support, and patient-clinician relationship. Although side effects such as hot flushes and loss of libido were sometimes overwhelming for many, these men felt that treatment benefits outweighed harm.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Reasons leading to nonadherence can be multifactorial and unique to each patient. Employing different strategies by health care professionals may lead to the eventual acceptance of treatment, while also acknowledging their reasons for nonadherence.

Medicine Adherence and Associated Factors in Immigrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review

Medicine nonadherence is a major contributing factor to morbidity and mortality. Almost half of the chronically ill patients are nonadherent to their medication. Vulnerable groups like immigrants and refugees are at a higher risk of poor medication adherence. This study aims to determine the rate of medicine adherence and the factors associated with medicine nonadherence in a population of immigrants and refugees. A protocol-led (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021285419) systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 4th November 2021. PRISMA guidelines were followed. The NIH quality assessment tool and CASP checklist were used to quality assess the papers. Data were searched, screened, and extracted. Extracted data were tabulated for descriptive and narrative analyses. 15 studies were conducted across six countries including participants with various medical conditions. The rate of medicine adherence reported ranged from 10.1% to 74.5%. Higher rates of nonadherence were observed in immigrants and refugees compared to migrant and native groups. Socio-economic factors, including language proficiency, level of education, and financial burden, and patient-related factors involving cultural behaviours and beliefs were common themes for nonadherence among immigrants and refugees. Further research is required to address the effect of nonadherence on clinical outcomes. Studies should focus on using a consistent definition of adherence and the same objective methods to measure rates of adherence to allow for meta-analysis of data and definitive results. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are recommended to target interventions at improving adherence and reducing modifiable risk factors in immigrants and refugees, thus reducing health disparities among the population.

The Effect of Regimen Frequency Simplification on Provider Order Generation: A Quasi-Experimental Study in a Korean Hospital

The multiplicity of dosing frequencies that are attached to medication orders poses a challenge to patients regarding adhering to their medication regimens and healthcare professionals in maximizing the efficiencies of health care service delivery. A multidisciplinary team project was performed to simplify medication regimens to improve the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system to reduce the dosing frequencies for patients who were discharged from the hospital. A 36-month pre-test–post-test study was performed, including 12-month pre-intervention, 12-month intervention, and 12-month post-intervention periods. Two-pronged strategies, including regimen standardization and prioritization, were devised to evaluate the dosing frequencies and prescribing efficiency. The results showed that the standardized menu reduced the dosing frequencies from 4.3 ± 2.2 per day in the pre-intervention period to 3.5 ± 1.8 per day in the post-intervention period (p < 0.001). In addition, the proportion of patients taking medications five or more times per day decreased from 40.8% to 20.7% (p < 0.001). After prioritizing the CPOE dosing regimen, the number of pull-down options that were available reflected an improvement in the prescribing efficiency. Our findings indicate that concerted efforts in improving even a simple change on the CPOE screen via standardization and prioritization simplified the dosing frequencies for patients and improved the physicians’ prescribing process.

Medication Adherence and Its Association With Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Saudi Arabia

Background Chronic diseases require long-term medication and adherence to medication is important for the control of disease as well as prevention of complications. Non-compliance may lead to worsening of the disease, which may affect patients' quality of life. This study aimed to assess the level of medication adherence and its association with quality of life (QOL) among hypertensive patients in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 299 hypertensive patients were recruited from the randomly selected primary health care centers. Medication adherence was assessed by Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale, and quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association of medication adherence with quality of life. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, USA). Results The prevalence of poor adherence was found to be 38.8%. We did not find a significant association of medication adherence with any of the four (physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental) domains of WHOQOL-BREF. However, poor medication adherence was associated with poor perceived overall QOL adjusted β=-0.012 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.021 to -0.002; p=0.018) and health adjusted β=-0.013 (95% CI: -0.025 to -0.002; p<0.018). Conclusion We found a high prevalence of non-adherence among hypertensive patients. This calls for developing interventions to improve compliance with medications to prevent complications of hypertension. Our study could not find a significant association of medication adherence with any of the domains of QOL, while poor adherence was associated with lower overall perceived QOL and health. Nonetheless, worsening of disease due to non-adherence may affect the QOL of patients. We recommend large scale prospective studies to explore the relationship between medication adherence and QOL.

Rebranding Gout: Could a Name Change for Gout Improve Adherence to Urate-Lowering Therapy?

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men, yet both patients and the public often do not recognise gout as a form of arthritis. Instead, due to historical misconceptions, gout is typically seen as a lifestyle disease caused by poor diet. In reality, there are a number of risk factors that contribute to gout, including genetic factors. Views of gout as precipitated by lifestyle alone can lead to stigma, and maladaptive beliefs that it should be treated primarily through dietary changes. This is thought to contribute to poor uptake of, and adherence to, effective pharmaceutical treatments. Gout has some of the poorest medication adherence rates of any chronic disease, contributing to suboptimal health outcomes for patients. Recent research suggests that when gout is referred to as 'urate crystal arthritis' (a rarely used name for gout), the perception of the disease by members of the public was more accurate. It was viewed as being less under personal control (i.e. less appropriately managed by behaviours such as dietary intake), and more appropriately managed by long-term medical treatment. This finding raises the possibility that patients themselves might also benefit from gout being explicitly labelled as arthritis. Indeed, parallels can be drawn between this case and other diseases that have recently had their names changed to improve outcomes, namely primary biliary cirrhosis and schizophrenia. A movement away from the term gout may benefit those living with the disease by changing illness perceptions and increasing uptake of, and adherence to, guideline-recommended treatment(s).

Medication adherence for atrial fibrillation patients: triangulating measures from a smart pill bottle, e-prescribing software, and patient communication through the electronic health record

OBJECTIVE

Our primary objectives were to examine adherence rates across two technologies (e-prescribing software and smart pill bottle) with cross-validation from alert-triggered messaging within the patient electronic health record (EHR) portal and to explore the benefits and challenges faced by atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in using a smart pill bottle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We triangulated the rate of oral anticoagulant medication adherence among 160 AF patients over 6 months using an EHR in combination with data from the AdhereTech© Wireless Smart Pill Bottle and Surescripts©. In addition, we collected qualitative feedback on patients' Smart Pill Bottle usage through structured interviews with 153 participants.

RESULTS

Patients maintained an average adherence rate of 90.0% according to the smart pill bottle; however, when dose misses were calibrated based on patient or provider feedback, the adjusted adherence was 93.6%. Surescripts adherence rates for refills were 92.2%. Participants generally found the bottle easy to operate but suggested that its size and functionality did not fit seamlessly into their existing routine, as many used weekly pill organizers to manage multiple medications.

DISCUSSION

Though each method of tracking adherence has positive and negative attributes, combining them and seeking patient feedback may help capture a more accurate adherence rate than any single technological intervention. Technologies may have different design considerations for research and consumer use.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these technologies provide useful but imperfect adherence data for research purposes, and smart pill bottles could be improved with patient-centered design.

LAY SUMMARY

Medication adherence is very important for those with chronic health issues. For those with heart disease, medication adherence not only offers opportunities for improving quality of life, but it also can be life-saving. Nonetheless, many patients with heart disease, including those with atrial fibrillation (the target group for this study) do not take their medications regularly. As technologies advance, there is unprecedented opportunity to track patients' medication adherence through various methods, which might provide motivation and information to patients as they make daily choices about medication use. In this study, we cross-referenced the results of two of these measures over 6 months-a smart pill bottle, which we used to track pill bottle openings, and e-prescribing software, which we used to track medication refills. We also supplemented these measures with nurse-patient communication via the EHR messaging portal to record exceptions (eg, travel and medication changes) and interviewed patients about their medication use during the 6-month trial. Overall, the tracking technologies worked relatively well to track patient (n = 160) medication behavior; however, they did not capture exceptions. Hence, triangulating data from different sources, with a patient feedback loop, appears critical for gathering accurate data on medication adherence.

Meaning and Management of Multiple Medications Among Public Mental Health Service Users

Public mental health service users frequently manage multiple health conditions, and are often prescribed multiple medications. While medications are useful tools in treating diagnosed mental illnesses, they bring management challenges and also can carry complex meanings for the individuals taking them. This study utilized a qualitative methodological approach to examine the experience and meaning of polypharmacy among public mental health services users. This sample of service users (n = 26) who were prescribed multiple medications described three distinct types of challenges they faced in managing medications: related to information, material tasks, and self-stigma. Nevertheless, respondents reported creative and resilient strategies to manage these challenges. Findings build on previous literature and reflect the increasing need to focus on challenges related to polypharmacy. Furthermore, findings indicate that low levels of literacy and high levels of material disadvantage, which are common among public mental health service users, complicate the management and meaning of multiple medications.

Patient decision-making in severe inflammatory bowel disease: the need for improved communication of treatment options and preferences

AIM

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their physicians must navigate ever-increasing options for treatment. The aim of this study was to elucidate the key drivers of treatment decision-making in inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative semi-structured in-person interviews of 20 adult patients undergoing treatment for inflammatory bowel disease at an academic medical centre who either recently initiated biologic therapy or underwent an operation or surgical evaluation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, iteratively coded, and discussed to consensus by five researchers. We used thematic analysis to explore factors influencing decision-making.

RESULTS

Four major themes emerged as key drivers of treatment decision-making: perceived clinical state and disease severity, the patient-physician relationship, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about treatment options, and social isolation and stigma. Patients described experiencing a clinical turning point as the impetus for proceeding with a previously undesired treatment such as infusion medication or surgery. Patients reported delays in care or diagnosis, inadequate communication with their physicians, and lack of control over their disease management. Patients often stated that they considered surgery to be the treatment of last resort, which further compounded the complexity of making treatment decisions.

CONCLUSION

Patients described multiple barriers to making informed and collaborative decisions about treatment, especially when considering surgical options. Our study reveals a need for more comprehensive communication between the patient and their physician about the range of medical and surgical treatment options. We recommend a patient-centred approach toward the decision-making process that accounts for patient decision-making preferences, causes of social stress, and clinical status.

Effective factors in non-compliance with therapeutic orders of specialists in outpatient clinics in Iran: a qualitative study

Background

Non-compliance with prescribed treatment is an important cause of preventable mortality and economic burden. Recognition of the factors for non-compliance with the therapeutic orders of specialists from the perspective of patients and health care providers sheds more light on the issue for policymakers and stakeholders. The current study aimed at determining the factors for non-compliance with therapeutic orders in outpatient clinics in Kerman, Iran.

Methods

The current qualitative study was conducted using the phenomenological method and semi-structured interviews with 10 patients, five specialists, and four health care managers and treatment officials in outpatient clinics in Kerman. The interviewees were selected by purposive sampling. The codes extracted from the interviews were transcribed using conventional content analysis to identify the viewpoints. The MAXQDA 10 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

The reasons for non-compliance with specialists’ orders were categorized into five themes including patient-related (patient-centered), disease-related, therapy-related, the healthcare provider related (healthcare system), and socioeconomic factors. Themes were composed of fifteen categories and forty-one sub-categories. The dominant sub-categories extracted from interviews were health literacy and knowledge of the patient, communication and patients’ trust in physicians and direct costs of treatment.

Conclusion

This study identified a wide range of different individual, disease, treatment, health care provider, and socio-economic factors and the interactions between them which may result into non-compliance with therapeutic orders prescribed by specialists. Therefore, specific attention should be paid to integrate the service provision system into the collaborative approach of the patient and his/her family in order to promote the level of compliance with therapy and care in planning and policy-making to improve the health service provision system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4229-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Life Quality and Compliance After Transplant: The Case of Turkey

OBJECTIVE

Chronic renal failure is one of the most significant health problems in Turkey, as it is all over the world, and negatively affects quality of life. The aim of this study is to find factors affecting compliance levels and quality of life of patients undergoing kidney transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The population of the study consisted of 244 patients who underwent kidney transplant. Although the study aimed to cover the entire target population in the sampling selection, it was conducted among 206 patients. The data were collected by face-to-face interview.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 92.7% were between 46 and 59 years of age, 54.4% had a living donor transplant, 54.9% had adverse effects, and 2.9% had rejection due to incompatibility. There was a significant relationship between compliance and quality of life; increasing frequency of adverse effects would decrease in direct proportion to compliance, which would, therefore, increase quality of life. All the subscale scores of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were found to have an average of 60 and above. The mean of the compliance scale was 48.33 (SD, 3.21), and, with the maximum score at 55, the mean of the group was high. In our country, patients view transplant as a final and definite treatment method. This might be related to fact that the longer the time after transplant, the lower the level of compliance.

Making medications stick: improving medication adherence by highlighting the personal health costs of non-compliance

Poor compliance of prescription medication is an ongoing public health crisis. Nearly half of patients do not take their medication as prescribed, harming their own health while also increasing public health care costs. Despite these detrimental consequences, prior research has struggled to establish cost-effective and scalable interventions to improve adherence rates. We suggest that one reason for the limited success of prior interventions is that they make the personal health costs of non-adherence insufficiently prominent, while a higher saliency of these costs may motivate patients to adhere more. In the current research, we test whether an intervention that makes the personal health costs of non-compliance more salient for patients will increase their medication adherence. To do so, we conducted a randomized controlled trial with 16,191 patients across 278 UK pharmacies over a 9-month time period and manipulated the perceived consequences of medication non-adherence. We find that patients who received a treatment highlighting the personal health costs of non-compliance were significantly more likely to adhere to their medication than three comparison groups (odds ratio = 1.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.37–2.47). Shifting patients’ focus to the personal health costs of non-compliance may thus offer a potentially cost-effective and scalable approach to improving medication adherence.

Using the transtheoretical model's stages of change to predict medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a primary health care setting

BACKGROUND

Qatar is currently experiencing a worrying increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). One of the most common reasons for uncontrolled DM is non-adherence to medications. The socio-behavioral intervention has proven effective in some chronic illnesses.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the stages of change (SOC) and medication adherence scores of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients visiting primary healthcare institutions in Qatar, and to evaluate the cause and effect relationship between SOC and adherence to antidiabetic medications.

METHODS

The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess medication adherence, and a 2-item SOC questionnaire was utilized to classify the SOC. The analysis to determine if the SOC could predict medication adherence while controlling for demographic characteristics, total number of prescribed medications and disease duration was done using hierarchical multiple regression.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 387 patients. In relation to medication adherence, majority of the patients were in the maintenance stage (76.7%), followed by the preparation stage (14.7%), the action stage (3.9%), the contemplation stage (3.4%) and the precontemplation stage (1.3%). Most of the patients were in high adherence towards antidiabetic medications (50.3%) followed by low level (26.4%) and medium level (23.3%). SOC was significant and positively predicted medication adherence, which accounted for around 58 to 60% (p < 0.001) while controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

SOC was significant and positively predicted medication adherence. The study recommends that the SOC questionnaire could potentially be used to identify patients at risk for low adherence.

Deprescribing interventions and their impact on medication adherence in community-dwelling older adults with polypharmacy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy, and the associated adverse drug events such as non-adherence to prescriptions, is a common problem for elderly people living with multiple comorbidities. Deprescribing, i.e. the gradual withdrawal from medications with supervision by a healthcare professional, is regarded as a means of reducing adverse effects of multiple medications including non-adherence. This systematic review examines the evidence of deprescribing as an effective strategy for improving medication adherence amongst older, community dwelling adults.

METHODS

A mixed methods review was undertaken. Eight bibliographic database and two clinical trials registers were searched between May and December 2017. Results were double screened in accordance with pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria related to polypharmacy, deprescribing and adherence in older, community dwelling populations. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for quality appraisal and an a priori data collection instrument was used. For the quantitative studies, a narrative synthesis approach was taken. The qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis. Findings were integrated using a mixed methods technique. The review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA reporting statement.

RESULTS

A total of 22 original studies were included, of which 12 were RCTs. Deprescribing with adherence as an outcome measure was identified in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational and cohort studies from 13 countries between 1996 and 2017. There were 17 pharmacy-led interventions; others were led by General Practitioners (GP) and nurses. Four studies demonstrated an overall reduction in medications of which all studies corresponded with improved adherence. A total of thirteen studies reported improved adherence of which 5 were RCTs. Adherence was reported as a secondary outcome in all but one study.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to show that deprescribing improves medication adherence. Only 13 studies (of 22) reported adherence of which only 5 were randomised controlled trials. Older people are particularly susceptible to non-adherence due to multi-morbidity associated with polypharmacy. Bio-psycho-social factors including health literacy and multi-disciplinary team interventions influence adherence. The authors recommend further study into the efficacy and outcomes of medicines management interventions. A consensus on priority outcome measurements for prescribed medications is indicated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO number CRD42017075315.

Medication regimen complexity and its impact on medication adherence and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an Ethiopian general hospital

BACKGROUND

Different studies reported that higher diabetes-specific Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) has a negative impact on glycemic control potentially by decreasing medication adherence. However, information about regimen complexity and its association with adherence and glycemic control in Ethiopian patients with diabetes is unknown.

AIM

To evaluate medication regimen complexity and to assess its impact on medication adherence and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional design was conducted at Debre Tabor General Hospital from 1 May 2018 to 30 June 2018. Medication regimen complexity was evaluated using the 65-item validated tool called Medication Complexity Index (MRCI). Adherence was measured using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale while patients were classified as having poor or good glycemic control based on the recent record of their fasting blood glucose. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between predictive variables and outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients with T2DM who meet the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. About 22.2% of the participants were classified as having high diabetes-specific MRCI, whereas 35.6% of the participants were classified as having high patient-level MRCI. The majority (70.5%) of the respondents were adherent to their medications, and 42.9% of the total population were categorized as having good glycemic control. According to the result of the multivariate analysis, patients with low-level and moderate-level MRCI of both diabetes-specific and patient-level MRCI were more adherent to their medication compared with patients with high MRCI. High diabetes medication regimen complexity was associated with poor glycemic control in the adjusted analyses (adjusted OR = 0.276; 95% CI = 0.100 o 0.759).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of high MRCImedication regimen complexity index is high among patients with T2DM. Patients with low and moderate regimen complexity had improved adherence. High diabetes-specific medication regimen complexity was associated with poor glycemic control. Simplification of a complex medication regimen for patients with diabetes should be sought by physicians and pharmacists to improve medication adherence and subsequent improvement in glycemic control.

Integrating Innovative Telehealth Solutions into an Interprofessional Team-Delivered Chronic Care Management Pilot Program

BACKGROUND

Pharmacist-delivered medication therapy management (MTM) services can improve patient outcomes, yet little is known about outpatient, interprofessional telepharmacy programs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an outpatient, interprofessional telehealth chronic care management (CCM) pilot program.

METHODS

This 6-month program integrated family medicine providers, a university-based medication management telepharmacist, and an interprofessional care coordinator using telehealth solutions for CCM and pharmacy education services. A physician referred patients at risk for medicine-related problems to the telepharmacist. Eligible patients had 3 or more chronic conditions or took at least 5 medications, were aged 18 years and older, and had at least 1 appointment with their primary care provider during the program. The care coordinator met patients in person to facilitate these virtual clinic processes. The telepharmacist conducted a comprehensive medication review (CMR) via video-conferencing technology, providing CCM based on primary diagnosis, current medications and allergies, laboratory results, and previous chart notes. The consultation was documented in the electronic health record (EHR) for provider review and modification in real time.

RESULTS

69 patients received telepharmacy consultations and on-site registered nurse support during the program. Most patients were female (56.5%), aged 51-70 years (60.1%), Caucasian (72.4%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (71.0%). Patients had 1-9 chronic conditions, such as hypertension (82.6%), diabetes (56.5%), hyperlipidemia (31.9%), depression (30.4%), and osteoporosis (29.0%). Most patients (94.2%) took at least 5 chronic disease medications, such as statins (11.2%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8.4%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (6.5%), beta blockers (6.5%), and calcium channel blockers (5.6%). The telepharmacist completed 200 interventions for safety (49.0%), vaccines (24.5%), care gaps per national consensus guidelines (13.5%), adherence (10.0%), and cost savings (3.0%). Patients' providers accepted one third (n = 75, 37.5%) of the telepharmacist recommendations (e.g., monitoring and medication changes).

CONCLUSIONS

This telehealth program constituted an added service for patients while simultaneously filling a gap in on-site pharmacist counseling services. Integrating the telepharmacist and registered nurse was crucial to clinical service provision. The results are encouraging; however, more research must examine the effectiveness of telehealth services in reaching underserved populations, improving patient care, and decreasing health care costs.

DISCLOSURES

External funding from SinfonîaRx was used to help conduct this project. Boesen is employed by SinfonîaRx. At the time this project was conducted, Martin was employed at the University of Arizona Medication Management Center but is now employed by SinfonîaRx. The other authors have no disclosures to report. This original research was presented as a poster at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Nexus 2015; October 26-29, 2015; in Orlando, FL.

Predictors and clinical outcomes of follow-up loss in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Nonadherence is a risk factor of disease worsening in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We analyzed the frequency, predictors, and clinical outcomes of patients with IBD who are lost to follow-up in outpatient clinics.

METHODS

Medical records of 784 IBD patients visiting our IBD clinic between January 2010 and December 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Overall, 285 newly diagnosed IBD patients who were followed up for at least 12 months were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

For 285 IBD patients (161 ulcerative colitis and 124 Crohn's disease), the mean disease duration was 66.3 ± 34.0 months (7-137 months). Forty-two patients (14.7%; 27 ulcerative colitis and 15 Crohn's disease) were lost to follow-up. On multivariate regression analysis, travel time to clinic (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-3.45; P = 0.01) and C-reactive protein levels at diagnosis (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.68; P = 0.01) were significantly associated with follow-up loss. Among the 42 patients lost to follow-up, 36 (85.7%) revisited the clinic. The cause of revisit was disease flare-up in 22 patients (61.1%). Step-up treatment was needed in 15 patients (41.7%). Steroid was introduced in 14 patients (38.9%). Azathioprine and an antitumor necrosis factor agent were newly prescribed in three patients (8.3%) and one patient (2.8%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up loss rate for IBD patients in remission state was 14.7%, and the predictors were far from hospital and low C-reactive protein levels. Because most of follow-up loss patients experienced flare-up, clinicians need to try to encourage patients to keep their adherence.

Apathy and depressive symptoms in older people and incident myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

Background

Previous findings suggest that apathy symptoms independently of depressive symptoms measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older individuals.

Aims

To study whether apathy and depressive symptoms in older people are associated with future CVD, stroke, and mortality using individual patient-data meta-analysis.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo databases up to September 3, 2013, were systematically searched without language restrictions. We sought prospective studies with older (mean age ≥65 years) community-dwelling populations in which the GDS was employed and subsequent stroke and/or CVD were recorded to provide individual participant data. Apathy symptoms were defined as the three apathy-related subitems of the GDS, with depressive symptoms the remaining items. We used myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause mortality as main outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and MI/stroke history. An adaptation of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate bias. Hazard ratios were calculated using one-stage random-effect Cox regression models.

Results

Of the 52 eligible studies, 21 (40.4%) were included, comprising 47,625 older people (mean age [standard deviation] 74 [7.4] years), over a median follow-up of 8.8 years. Participants with apathy symptoms had a 21% higher risk of MI (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.36), a 37% higher risk of stroke (95% CI 1.18–1.59), and a 47% higher risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.38–1.56). Participants with depressive symptoms had a comparably higher risk of stroke (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.56) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.35–1.53), but not of MI (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91–1.29). Associations for isolated apathy and isolated depressive symptoms were comparable. Sensitivity analyses according to risk of bias yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Our findings stress the clinical importance of recognizing apathy independently of depressive symptoms, and could help physicians identify persons at increased risk of vascular disease.

Factors influencing long-term medication non-adherence among diabetes and hypertensive patients in Ghana: A qualitative investigation

Background

Evidence remains limited on why diabetes and hypertensive patients admitted to long-term drug therapy miss doses or discontinue medication taking. We examined this phenomenon from the perspective of diabetes and hypertension patients at a Ghanaian teaching hospital.

Methods

Between July and December 2015, we conducted a qualitative study targeting caregivers and their patients with chronic diabetes and hypertensive on re-admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital due to non-adherence to prescribed medication. Participants were sampled purposefully and taking through in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Notes and audio recordings of interviews were transcribed, managed and coded for themes guided by the thematic network analysis recommended by Attride-Stirling.

Results

Non-adherence was the result of perceptions that the medications are not effective for managing the conditions. Patients with these perceptions rejected the medications and turned to herbal medicines and spiritual healing as therapeutic alternatives, because of their easy accessibility, perceived efficacy and affordability. Other factors identified to influence non-adherence included polypharmacy practice; tight work schedules; social norms; poor prescription instruction by health providers; and knowledge and experience of medication.

Conclusion

Findings suggests the need for health providers to adopt therapeutic approaches that take into account patients’ beliefs, values and norms in administering medications. Sensitisation of patients and caregivers during admission on the implication of non-adherence, as well as interventions that monitor and provide feedback mechanisms on patients’ medication taking behaviour holds promise for maximising diabetes and hypertensive medication adherence.

Evaluating practical support stroke survivors get with medicines and unmet needs in primary care: a survey

OBJECTIVES

To design a questionnaire and use it to explore unmet needs with practical aspects of medicine taking after stroke, predictors of medicine taking and to estimate the proportion of survivors who get support with daily medication taking.

DESIGN

Four workshops with stroke survivors and caregivers to design the questionnaire.A cross-sectional postal questionnaire in primary care.

SETTING

18 general practitioner practices in the East of England and London. Questionnaires posted between September 2016 and February 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

1687 stroke survivors living in the community outside institutional long-term care.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The proportion of community stroke survivors receiving support from caregivers for practical aspects of medicine taking; the proportion with unmet needs in this respect; the predictors of experiencing unmet needs and missing taking medications.

RESULTS

A five-item questionnaire was developed to cover the different aspects of medicine taking. 596/1687 (35%) questionnaires were returned. 56% reported getting help in at least one aspect of taking medication and 11% needing more help. 35% reported missing taking their medicines. Unmet needs were associated with receiving help with medications (OR 5.9, P<0.001), being on a higher number of medications (OR 1.2, P<0.001) and being dependent for activities of daily living (OR 4.9, P=0.001). Missing medication was associated with having unmet needs (OR 5.3, P<0.001), receiving help with medications (OR 2.1, P<0.001), being on a higher number of medicines (OR 1.1, P=0.008) and being older than 70 years (OR 0.6, P=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of patients who replied needed help with taking medication, and 1 in 10 had unmet needs in this regard. Stroke survivors dependent on others have more unmet needs, are more likely to miss medicines and might benefit from focused clinical and research attention. Novel primary care interventions focusing on the practicalities of taking medicines are warranted.

Consumer-related factors influencing antidepressant adherence in unipolar depression: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

To explore factors which facilitate and negatively impact adherence, at initiation, implementation and discontinuation phases of adherence to antidepressant medicines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients suffering from unipolar depression. The digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim were used. Transcripts were thematically content analyzed and data managed using N-Vivo software.

RESULTS

Twenty-three interviews were conducted. The predominant factors facilitating initiation of therapy included self-motivation and severity of depression. Factors aiding persistence with therapy included belief in, and effectiveness of, antidepressants. Stigma and fear of adverse events inhibited initiation of therapy, whilst adverse events and ineffectiveness of antidepressants contributed to discontinuation. Patients with strong perceptions of the necessity and few concerns about antidepressants were more likely to adhere to treatment at all phases of adherence.

CONCLUSION

Different factors influence medication adherence at the different phases of adherence. These factors were based on individual perceptions about depression and its treatment, and actual experiences of antidepressant treatment. This information should be considered by health care professionals in delivering targeted and tailored interventions to foster adherence. Strategies to address medication non-adherence in unipolar depression patients should consider the phase of adherence and individual perceptions about depression and its treatment, along with previous experiences with treatment for depression.

Inflammatory bowel disease patients prioritize mucosal healing, symptom control, and pain when choosing therapies: results of a prospective cross-sectional willingness-to-pay study

BACKGROUND

Given the large armamentarium of therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), physicians cannot fully describe all treatments to patients and, therefore, make assumptions regarding treatment attributes communicated to patients. This study aimed to assess out-of-pocket willingness-to-pay that IBD patients allocate to treatment attributes.

METHODS

Adult patients receiving therapy for IBD were invited to access a cross-sectional web-based discrete-choice experiment (May 22-August 31, 2015) that presented paired medication scenarios with varying efficacy, safety, and administration parameters. Preference weights and willingness-to-pay for each attribute level were assessed by a hierarchical Bayes method including a multinomial logit model.

RESULTS

A total of 586 IBD patients were included, 404 (68.9%) with Crohn's disease and 182 (31.1%) with ulcerative colitis. Genders were evenly distributed; the majority of patients (70.1%) were 50 years or younger and had postsecondary education (75.4%), while the median health status was 7 (Likert scale: 1 [poor] - 10 [perfect]). Regarding relative preference-weight estimates, for the average respondent, reducing pain during administration, mucosal healing, and symptom relief were the highest-ranking attributes. Conversely, infusion reactions and risk of hospitalization or surgery were the lowest-ranking attributes. In multivariate analysis, patient sociodemographics did not affect the rank order of attributes although small differences were observed between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients in the previous year.

CONCLUSION

This study has important implications related to understanding patient preferences and designing patient-centered strategies. IBD patients prioritize treatments with low administration pain. Additionally, these results concur with treatment guidelines emphasizing patients' preference for mucosal healing and symptom control.

Multidisciplinary Team-Based Obesity Treatment in Patients With Diabetes: Current Practices and the State of the Science

IN BRIEF Rates of obesity and diabetes are growing, as are their costs. Because the two diseases share many key determinants, the paradigms for their treatment overlap. For both, optimal treatment involves a multidisciplinary team following the Chronic Care Model of health care delivery. Combined treatment programs that include 1) a low-calorie diet individualized to patients' preferences, 2) structured exercise that is also tailored to each patient, and 3) psychotherapy induce the largest weight changes in patients with diabetes. Although diet alone can achieve weight loss, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy components can enhance the effects of dietary modification. A multidisciplinary team that includes a physician with expertise in pharmacotherapy, a nurse and/or nurse practitioner, a dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a psychologist can provide a comprehensive weight loss program combining the most effective interventions from each discipline.

The Effect of Structured Education to Patients Receiving Oral Agents for Cancer Treatment on Medication Adherence and Self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine the effect of structured education on medication adherence and self-efficacy through the use of the MASCC Oral Agent Teaching Tool (MOATT) for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study has been conducted at two hospitals; 41 patients were included in the study. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, medication adherence self-efficacy scale (MASES), memorial symptom assessment scale, and a follow-up form (diary). Patients were educated through the use of the MOATT at a scheduled time; drug-specific information was provided along with a treatment scheme and follow-up diary. Phone interviews were completed 1 and 2 weeks after the educational session. At the next treatment cycle, the patients completed the same questionnaires.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients were receiving capecitabine (90.2%; n = 37) as an oral agent for breast (51.2%; n = 21) and stomach cancer (24.6%; n = 10) treatment. About 90.2% of patients (n = 37) stated that they did not forget to take their medication and experienced medication-related side effects (78%; n = 32). The total score of MASES was increased after the education (66.39 vs. 71.04, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that individual education with the MOATT and follow-up for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment increased patient medication adherence self-efficacy.

Why current drug adherence programs fail: addressing psychological risk factors of nonadherence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview of a selection of largely neglected psychological risk factors for nonadherence, and to offer new approaches to improve medication adherence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current adherence research and intervention programs focus on a few risk factors for nonadherence, such as complexity of the drug regimen. In addition, other important risk factors of nonadherence are neglected or insufficiently addressed. There is good evidence for the significant role of the quality of the patient-healthcare provider relationship. Other risk factors like the individual history of nonadherence, the lack of acceptance of having a treatable disorder, fear of side-effects, comorbid depression, and cognitive impairment have been broadly neglected in adherence programs, although they offer a powerful key to improve adherence-oriented interventions.

SUMMARY

Current research on determinants of nonadherence has focused on a few risk factors, while neglecting crucial psychological predictors of nonadherence. The personalized consideration of a multiplicity of risk factors offers a new basis for the development and evaluation of interventions to better promote adherence.

The Use of Electronic Personal Health Records to Improve Medication Adherence and Patient Engagement: A Randomized Study of Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Embolic stroke is a major complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) that frequently results in disability or death. The administration of oral anticoagulation can reduce stroke risk in AF patients; however, medication non-adherence can eliminate this benefit. To date, reported patient adherence rates to oral anticoagulation regimens vary. The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of medication-specific education delivered via a personal health record (PHR) system on medication adherence. A randomized, prospective study was conducted from February 2014 to June 2014 at Parkview Health, a not-for-profit, community-based health care clinic that serves a northeastern Indiana population of more than 820,000. AF patients receiving dabigatran (Pradaxa^®; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) to prevent stroke participated in this study. The study participants were predominantly Caucasian males over 65 years of age who were educated, insured, and living above the poverty level. Patients were allowed to view online, download, and transmit health information via a PHR. The intervention group received PHR training and dabigatran education via the PHR. The control group received standard care and PHR access without training. A longitudinal survey pertaining to medication knowledge, medication adherence, and patient engagement was administered at baseline and at the end of the study. Medication-dispensing data collected from pharmacy refill prescriptions were used for calculating the medication possession ratio (MPR). Ninety patients were included in this study, and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 46) or the control group (n = 44). All participants completed the baseline survey, and 95.6% of patients finished the follow-up survey. The mean score for knowledge increased significantly in the intervention group (from 3.77 to 4.23, p = 0.005), but not in the control group (from 3.70 to 3.95, p = 0.72).

The MPR was significantly higher in the intervention group (97.47% vs. 87.67%, p = 0.001). Both groups had similar levels of improvement in Patient Activation Measure scores (from 63.0 to 65.8, p = 0.078 vs. from 63.1 to 63.6, p = 0.814). Patients who used the PHR achieved greater medication knowledge, resulting in improved medication adherence. To our knowledge, no published randomized trial has reported on the use of PHRs to improve medication adherence and knowledge. This study is the first to demonstrate a positive impact on anticoagulation adherence with PHR use.

Congruence between patient characteristics and interventions may partly explain medication adherence intervention effectiveness: an analysis of 190 randomized controlled trials from a Cochrane systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Due to the negative outcomes of medication nonadherence, interventions to improve adherence have been the focus of countless studies. The congruence between adherence-related patient characteristics and interventions may partly explain the variability of effectiveness in medication adherence studies. In their latest update of a Cochrane review reporting inconsistent effects of adherence interventions, the authors offered access to their database for subanalysis. We aimed to use this database to assess congruence between adherence-related patient characteristics and interventions and its association with intervention effects.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We developed a congruence score consisting of six features related to inclusion criteria, patient characteristics at baseline, and intervention design. Two independent raters extracted and scored items from the 190 studies available in the Cochrane database. We correlated overall congruence score and individual features with intervention effects regarding adherence and clinical outcomes using Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Interrater reliability for newly extracted data was almost perfect with a Cohen's Kappa of 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.89-0.94; P < 0.001]. Although present in only six studies, the inclusion of nonadherent patients was the single feature significantly associated with effective adherence interventions (P = 0.003). Moreover, effective adherence interventions were significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes (odds ratio = 6.0; 95% CI = 3.1-12.0; P < 0.0001). However, neither the overall congruence score nor any other individual feature (i.e., "determinants of nonadherence as inclusion criteria," "tailoring of interventions to the inclusion criteria," "reasons for nonadherence assessed at baseline," "adjustment of intervention to individual patient needs," and "theory-based interventions") was significantly associated with intervention effects.

CONCLUSION

The presence of only six studies that included nonadherent patients and the interdependency of this feature with the remaining five might preclude a conclusive assessment of congruence between patient characteristics and adherence interventions. In order to obtain clinical benefits from effective adherence interventions, we encourage researchers to focus on the inclusion of nonadherent patients.

Positive Medication Changes Resulting from Comprehensive and Noncomprehensive Medication Reviews in a Medicare Part D Population

BACKGROUND

Health care organizations face the challenge of reducing costs while improving health outcomes. Currently, more than 39 million seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription benefit plan, many of whom also qualify for medication therapy management (MTM) services. MTM programs provide valuable services designed to prevent or resolve medication-related problems (MRPs). Two core components of all MTM programs include comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) with followup interventions and focused non-CMR interventions. Currently, there is limited research comparing the rate of MRPs resolved by CMR and non-CMR interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether CMRs versus non-CMR interventions resulted in more pharmacist-initiated intervention recommendations and positive medication changes.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional quality improvement project evaluated outcomes for individuals who received interventions following a CMR compared with those who received non-CMR interventions as part of a comprehensive MTM program. For this project, eligible individuals qualified for an MTM program. A positive medication change was defined as the addition of an appropriate medication or the removal of an inappropriate medication within 120 days of a pharmacist recommendation. Differences between the groups were calculated using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

RESULTS

During the 2-year period (2012 and 2013), 788,756 beneficiaries were enrolled in the MTM program and evaluated for potential MRPs. In both years, pharmacists recommended more medication changes per member for those receiving a CMR (0.81 in 2012 and 0.82 in 2013) compared with the non-CMR group (0.68 in 2012 and 0.61 in 2013; P value < 0.001 for both years). However, recommendations made via non-CMR interventions (representing the vast majority of all medication reviews) were more likely to result in a positive medication change (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.21-1.28 for 2012; OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.22-1.30 for 2013).

CONCLUSIONS

These quality improvement project results suggest that Medicare Part D beneficiaries participating in a university-based MTM program who received non-CMR interventions had a higher likelihood of having positive medication changes than those receiving CMRs. These results are enlightening and may provide initial evidence to support inclusion of a non-CMR performance metric for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service's star ratings for MTM programs.

DISCLOSURES

No outside funding supported this study. The University of Arizona Medication Management Center (UAMMC)/SinfoniaRx provides grant funding to the University of Arizona for research. Augustine reports support from the UAMMC and ownership of Pfizer stock and was a graduate student at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy at the time of this study. The authors report no other potential conflicts of interest. Buhl and Augustine contributed study concept and design, collected the data, and wrote the manuscript. Data interpretation was performed by all the authors. Taylor, Warholak, Augustine, and Martin revised the manuscript.

Integration of Medication Management Into Occupational Therapy Practice

Occupational therapy practitioners enable clients to improve performance in everyday occupations. As health care reform precipitates changes across health care service organizations, occupational therapy professionals must seize the opportunity to apply their unique skills and perspective to meet the changing needs of clients and other stakeholders. In this article, we explore the role and distinct value of occupational therapy practitioners in one area of changing need: medication management. We find that occupational therapy practitioners have unique skills that complement the factors affecting medication nonadherence and evidence-based interventions. With reforms to research, teaching, and practice, occupational therapy practitioners can better integrate medication management into regular evaluation and treatment, thereby contributing to broader patient outcomes defined by the Affordable Care Act.

Compounding and stability evaluation of atorvastatin extemporaneous oral suspension using tablets or pure powder

Background

Statins are the first-line therapy for lowering high lipid levels. Atorvastatin calcium (AtC) is the most commonly prescribed statin. It inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase which converts HMG-CoA into mevalonic acid, a cholesterol precursor.

Objective

To compound and evaluate the stability of AtC suspension (0.4% w/v) using commercial tablets or pure AtC powder as the source of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Method

Several AtC suspension formulations were produced using commercial AtC tablets or AtC pure powder as the source of the active ingredient. The most suitable one in terms of general organoleptic properties and dissolution was selected for stability studies. For this purpose, samples of final suspensions were stored at room temperature and in the refrigerator. Assay, pH, organoleptic properties and microbial contamination were evaluated according to the USP specifications. High performance liquid chromatography was used for the analysis and quantification of AtC in the studied samples.

Results

The obtained suspension (S4) had good organoleptic properties. It showed complete dissolution of AtC within 30 min. However, the suspension prepared from crushed tablet (S_t4) showed a better dissolution profile than that prepared from pure powder (S_p4). The prepared formula had unchanged pH, which remained around 9.9. S_t and S_p formulas were both free from microbial contamination. Both products showed good stability within at least the period of use of the 100 mL AtC bottles.

Conclusions

AtC extemporaneous suspension was successfully prepared using tablets as a source of AtC or pure AtC powder. However, S_t4 had a better dissolution profile than S_p4. This study provides a solution for patients with swallowing difficulties or feeding tubes who are unable to take medicines in solid oral dosage forms. Community pharmacists can prepare the suspension using AtC tablets as the source of the active ingredient.

Medication adherence in patients with hypertension: Does satisfaction with doctor-patient relationship work?

Background:

It is assumed that doctor-patient relationship plays an effective role in patients’ satisfaction, medication adherence, and health outcomes since exploring different aspects of this relationship, such as addressing medication adherence, has rarely been investigated. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to assess the impact of patients’ satisfaction derived from communicating with doctors on medication adherence in hypertensive patients.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional survey was conducted on three hundred patients with hypertension, using multistage sampling technique in health care centers in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected by two questionnaires comprised (1) patients’ satisfaction derived from the relationship with doctors and (2) medication adherence named “Morisky Medication Adherence Scale” with 8 items. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to test the odds ratio (OR) of patients’ satisfaction resulting from the relationship with physicians in numerous aspects in two groups: appropriate and inappropriate medication adherence.

Results:

A lower level of satisfaction derived from building the relationship (confidence interval [CI] =0.95, 0.06–0.71 and OR = 0.20) and empathy subscales (CI = 0.95, 13–0.80 and OR = 0.33) was associated with nonadherence to treatment after controlling the physicians’ gender and patients’ age, gender, education, and duration of disease.

Conclusion:

Patients’ satisfaction resulting from building the relationship and empathy with physicians appeared to be associated with medication adherence among hypertensive patients.

Matching Adherence Interventions to Patient Determinants Using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Introduction: Despite much research, interventions to improve medication adherence report disappointing and inconsistent results. Tailored approaches that match interventions and patient determinants of non-adherence were seldom used in clinical trials. The presence of a multitude of theoretical frameworks and models to categorize interventions and patient determinants complicated the development of common categories shared by interventions and determinants. We retrieved potential interventions and patient determinants from published literature on medication adherence, matched them like locks and keys, and categorized them according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Methods: We identified the most relevant literature reviews on interventions and determinants in a pragmatic literature search, extracted all interventions and determinants, grouped similar concepts to umbrella terms and assigned them to TDF categories. All steps were finalized in consensus discussion between the authors. Results: Sixteen articles (5 with determinants, 11 with interventions) were included for analysis. We extracted 103 interventions and 42 determinants that we divided in 26 modifiable and 16 unmodifiable determinants. All interventions and modifiable determinants were matched within 11 categories (Knowledge; Skills; Social/professional role and identity; Beliefs about capabilities; Beliefs about consequences; Intentions; Memory, Attention and decision processes; Environmental context and resources; Social influences; Emotion; and Behavioral regulation). Conclusion: In published trials on medication adherence, the congruence between interventions and determinants can be assessed with matching interventions to determinants. To be successful, interventions in medication adherence should target current modifiable determinants and be tailored to the unmodifiable determinants. Modifiable and unmodifiable determinants need to be assessed at inclusion of intervention studies to identify the patients most in need of an adherence intervention. Our matched categories may be useful to develop interventions in trials that investigate the effectiveness of adherence interventions.

Intervention Promoting Medication Adherence: A Randomized, Phase I, Small-N Study

OBJECTIVE. Many people with chronic health conditions fail to take their medications as prescribed, resulting in declines in health and function. The purpose of this study was to perform a Phase I feasibility study to understand whether an integrated occupational therapy intervention could help people with chronic health conditions improve their adherence to medications.

METHOD. Using a small-N design, we report single-subject analyses of the medication adherence of 11 participants before and after either an occupational therapy intervention or a standard care intervention. We used a multiple baseline approach with intersubject replication and blinding.

RESULTS. The occupational therapy intervention was found to decrease performance variability and to increase medication adherence rates in some people with chronic conditions.

CONCLUSION. These findings suggest that an occupational therapy intervention can improve medication adherence in people with chronic health conditions. The intervention tested in this study is feasible and would benefit from further research.

Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Improvement of Medication Adherence

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to medications is a significant problem that leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Recommended approaches to address medication adherence vary, and existing practice guidelines are unclear.

PURPOSE

This review evaluated clinical practice guidelines designed to help health care providers address patients' medication adherence.

METHOD

Multiple search methods were used to identify national or international guidelines addressing medication adherence. We included guidelines published in English, as well as guidelines with an English-language summary or translation.

RESULTS

We identified 23 guidelines of varying detail and quality. Recommendations were categorized as assessment strategies (n = 20 guidelines); educational strategies (n = 18); behavioral strategies (n = 17); therapeutic relationship, communication, and provider factors (n = 19); and addressing outside influences/co-morbidities (n = 10).

CONCLUSION

Future guidelines should be more clearly guided by research findings and comparative effectiveness methods. When implemented, guidelines will facilitate health care providers and health systems in supporting optimal adherence and improved health outcomes.

Giving patients a starring role in their own care: a bibliometric analysis of the on-going literature debate

BACKGROUND

Patient-centred care has been advocated as a key component of high-quality patient care, yet its meanings and related actions have been difficult to ascertain.

OBJECTIVE

To map the use of different terms related to the process of giving patients a starring role in their own care and clarify the possible boundaries between terms that are often mixed.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using different electronic databases. All records containing the search terms 'patient engagement', 'patient activation', 'patient empowerment', 'patient involvement', 'patient adherence', 'patient compliance' and 'patient participation' were collected. Identified literature was then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The number of yearly publications, most productive countries, cross-concepts articles and various scientific fields dealing with the multidisciplinary concepts were identified.

RESULTS

Overall, 58 987 papers were analysed. Correspondence analysis revealed three temporal trends. The first period (2002-2004) focused on compliance and adherence, the second period (2006-2009) focused on the relationship between participation and involvement, and the third one (2010-2013) emphasized empowerment. Patient activation and patient engagement followed the temporal development trend connected to the 'immediate future'.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The bibliometric trend suggests that the role of patient in the health-care system is changing. In the last years, the patient was viewed as a passive receptor of medical prescription. To date, the need to consider patients as active partners of health-care planning and delivery is growing. In particular, the term patient engagement appears promising, not only for its increasing growth of interest in the scholarly debate, but also because it offers a broader and better systemic conceptualization of the patients' role in the fruition of health care. To build a shared vocabulary of terms and concepts related to the active role of patients in the health-care process may be envisaged as the first operative step towards a concrete innovation of health-care organizations and systems.

Medication Adherence and the Occurrence of Complications in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In this retrospective cohort study, we sought to elucidate the relationship between medication adherence (MA) and the incidence of complications in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using claims data from the National Health Insurance Service, we measured health outcomes based on levels of MA, analyzed the incidence of complications in patients with a good MA, and clarified factors that may affect or predict MA.

RESULTS

In 2008, a total of 4294773 patients were diagnosed with hypertension and were subsequently prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. In the present study, we enrolled 564782 patients who met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. The 40-59% medication possession ratio (MPR) group had a 1.36 times higher risk of developing complications (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.45) than did the MPR≥ 80% group, as revealed through Cox's proportional hazards analysis. Similarly, the <20% MPR group was 2.01 times more likely to develop complications than the good MA group (95% CI: 1.82-2.23). Overall, patients who had a lower level of MA had a higher risk of developing complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that MA is tightly correlated with hypertension health outcomes. Improving MA could be one strategy for reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease complications and the loss of productivity in these patients.

Compliance or non-compliance of hypertensive adults to hypertension management at three primary healthcare day clinics in Tshwane

The objective of this article was to report on the rate of compliance to medication, sodium use and appointment keeping of hypertensive adults who are attending primary healthcare clinics in Tshwane. Despite the availability of effective management of hypertension globally, non-compliance to management still exists. This article reports on the hypertensive adult’s compliance to medication, sodium use and appointment keeping. The design was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample was n=101 hypertensive patients from three primary healthcare clinics. Structured interviews were used to gather the data. The results indicated a variation in compliance rate depending on the question asked. When investigating whether the participants received enough medication on their last visit to the clinic, 98% said that they received enough medication to last them a month (Nkosi 2008:130). However, the appointment-keeping scale revealed that 23% of the participants reported that they left the clinic without prescribed medication or missed an appointment. When, using the Hill-Bone Compliance Scale, individuals were asked a question using the verb forgetting, 9 out of 10 would answer ‘no’, but when the verb decide was used to determine compliance, 6 out of 10 would admit to deciding not to take their medication sometimes. In terms of sodium use, 33% showed good compliance and 44% low compliance (Nkosi 2008:138). Compliance with regard to taking hypertension medication was 70%, which is good. This study recommends that compliance to hypertension management be assessed by asking questions specifically for sodium use, medication and appointment keeping as it was clear from the findings of this study that a person would comply with appointment keeping but not take medication daily as prescribed or not use sodium as recommended.