Risk factors for self-reported adverse drug events among Medicare enrollees

Factors that influence patient and public adverse drug reaction reporting: a systematic review using the theoretical domains framework

BACKGROUND

Only 5-10% of all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are reported. Mechanisms to support patient and public reporting offer numerous advantages to health care systems including increasing reporting rate. Theory-informed insights into the factors implicated in patient and public underreporting are likely to offer valuable opportunity for the development of effective reporting-interventions and optimization of existing systems.

AIM

To collate, summarize and synthesize the reported behavioral determinants using the theoretical domains framework (TDF), that influence patient and public reporting of ADRs.

METHOD

Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of science, EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched on October 25th, 2021. Studies assessing the factors influencing public or patients reporting of ADRs were included. Full-text screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were performed independently by two authors. Extracted factors were mapped to TDF.

RESULTS

26 studies were included conducted in 14 countries across five continents. Knowledge, social/professional role and identity, beliefs about consequences, and environmental context and resources, appeared to be the most significant TDF domains that influenced patient and public behaviors regarding ADR reporting.

CONCLUSION

Studies included in this review were deemed of low risk of bias and allowed for identification of key behavioural determinants, which may be mapped to evidence-based behavioral change strategies that facilitate intervention development to enhance rates of ADR reporting. Aligning strategies should focus on education, training and further involvement from regulatory bodies and government support to establish mechanisms, which facilitate feedback and follow-ups on submitted reports.

Factors associated with early nonpersistence among patients experiencing side effects from a new medication

BACKGROUND

Drug discontinuation (i.e., nonpersistence) is often attributed to the emergence of adverse effects. However, it is not known whether other factors increase the risk of nonpersistence when adverse effects occur.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with early nonpersistence among patients experiencing adverse effects from newly prescribed medications.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to new users of antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and lipid-lowering medications in Saskatchewan, Canada, between 2019 and 2020. Only respondents experiencing adverse effects were included. Responses were compared between the nonpersistent group (i.e., people who had discontinued their medication) and the persistent group (i.e., those who were taking their medication at the time of the survey). Statistically significant factors were tested in multivariable logistic regression models. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were reported.

RESULTS

Of the 3973 returned questionnaires, 813 respondents experienced adverse -effects from their new medication and were included in the study. Of these, 143 respondents (17.5%) had stopped their medication at the time of survey completion; most discontinuations (72.1%) occurred within 1 month of the first dose. Nonpersistent patients were older, had lower income, and were less likely to be taking an antihyperglycemic medication. After covariate adjustment, 6 factors were independently associated with nonpersistence: age less than 65 years (OR 1.56 [95% CI 1.01-2.41]), female sex (1.67 [1.08-2.59]), health condition not considered dangerous (2.09 [1.25-3.51]), medication not considered important for health (6.90 [4.40-10.84]), failure to expect adverse effects before starting medication (2.67 [1.74-4.10]), and taking 2 or more medications (0.45 [0.27-0.73]).

CONCLUSION

Despite the strong link between the emergence of adverse effects and early nonpersistence, our findings confirm that this association is highly influenced by several factors external to the physical experiences caused by the new medication.

A population-based study of self-reported adverse drug events among Lebanese outpatients

There is a limited number of studies assessing the epidemiology of Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) in the outpatient setting, especially those that do not result in healthcare use. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of self-reported ADEs among Lebanese outpatients. It was a cross-sectional observational study performed among Lebanese outpatients visiting community pharmacies across Lebanon. A questionnaire was designed to elicit patients’ relevant information. The association between categorical variables were evaluated using Pearson χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors that affect the experience of self-reported ADEs. The study comprised 3148 patients. Around 37% of patients reported experiencing an ADE in the previous year. When ADEs occur, 70.5% of the respondents reported informing their physicians. Increasing number of medications per patient, use of injectable medication, and inquiring about potential drug-drug interactions were associated with higher experience of ADEs (p = 0.049; p = 0.003; and p = 0.009 respectively). Patients who received hospital discharge counseling reported experiencing less ADEs (p = 0.002). Our study showed prevalence of ADEs among Lebanese outpatients especially patients with polypharmacy, and highlighted the need to educate patients about the importance of reporting ADEs to their physicians.

Medication understanding and health literacy among patients with multiple chronic conditions: A study conducted in Bangladesh

Objectives: Medication understanding is critical for patients who suffer from multiple chronic conditions in order to reduce medication error and is often associated with poor health outcomes and low adherence. This study aims to identify the gap of medication knowledge among multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh, in order to aid physicians and other healthcare providers in improving health literacy. Methods: Individual interviews of a convenience sample of multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh were held where they were asked a number of questions for assessing medication related literacy. Results: More than 26% patients failed to cite the brand name of all their prescribed medications while the rate of patients not knowing the generic names was far worse (88.1%). Nearly 1 out of every 4 patients did not know the purpose of all their medications and more than half of the participants (55%) did not know the strengths of their drugs. While knowledge about medication routes and regimen was satisfactory, awareness regarding risk factors of medicine was lowest of all. Only 1 out of every 4 patients had a habit of reading drug information leaflet. Patient's ability to correctly state the purpose of their medication seemed to be positively associated with age (p=0.004) and negatively associated with number of medicines taken (p=0.03). Conclusions: Many patients demonstrated poor health literacy regarding medication. Routine review of medications from physician or health provider can significantly improve their health literacy, leading to better treatment outcome and medication adherence.

Patient-reported common symptoms as an assessment of interventions in medication reviews: a randomised, controlled trial

Background A 'Patient-Reported Outcome Measure, Inquiry into Side Effects' (PROMISE) instrument was developed for patients to report common symptoms in clinical medication reviews. Objective To determine changes in patient-reported drug-associated symptoms collected by PROMISE before and after community pharmacist-led clinical medication reviews compared with usual care. Setting Community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Methods Patients were randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). PROMISE was used to collect symptoms experienced during the previous month, and any suspected drug-associated symptoms from both groups at baseline and at follow-up after 3 months. IG patients received a one-time clinical medication review, while CG patients received usual care. Main outcome measure Mean number of drug-associated symptoms at follow-up. Results Measurements were completed by 78 IG and 67 CG patients from 15 community pharmacies. Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient at follow-up were 4.0 in the IG and 5.0 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio between the groups of 0.90 (95% CI 0.62-1.33). Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient reported at follow-up and persisting since baseline were 2.1 in the IG and 2.6 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio of 0.85 (95% CI 0.43-1.42). The lowest percentages of persisting drug-associated symptoms detected in the IG were 'palpitations' and 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' while in the CG they were 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' and 'trembling, shivering'. Conclusion PROMISE provided meaningful information on drug-associated symptoms in clinical medication reviews, however the number of drug-associated symptoms was not reduced by performing clinical medication reviews compared with usual care.

Assessment of patients' knowledge and practices regarding their medication use and risks in Lebanon

Background Patients' knowledge of their medications play a pivotal role in their disease management. Objective Assess the knowledge and practices of Lebanese outpatients regarding their own medication use and risks. Setting Four hundred and sixty community pharmacies across Lebanon. Method It was a cross-sectional study performed from March through May 2016 among Lebanese outpatients, using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate all participants' responses. The association between categorical variables were evaluated using Pearson χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Binary logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with medication patients' knowledge and interest. Main outcome measure Ability of the patients to identify own medications' elements: name, strength, dosage regimen, indication, and adverse drug reactions. Results Our study comprised 921 patients, with around 16% taking ≥5 medications/day. Around 56% of our patients showed sub-optimal medication knowledge. Patients' higher educational level, number of chronic diseases, and patient physician interaction were associated with higher medication knowledge. Many patients admitted not discussing their medications each time they visit their physicians (38.7%); not reading the leaflet of each medication they take (61.2%); and not regularly asking their pharmacist about the potential interactions of OTC drugs with prescribed medications (53.9%). Conclusion This study showed suboptimal medication-related knowledge, and suboptimal patient's interactions with primary care givers. Our findings serve as a platform for healthcare providers to understand patients' needs and educate them about medication use and risks.

Direct and indirect costs for adverse drug events identified in medical records across care levels, and their distribution among payers

BACKGROUND

Adverse drug events (ADEs) cause considerable costs in hospitals. However, little is known about costs caused by ADEs outside hospitals, effects on productivity, and how the costs are distributed among payers.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the direct and indirect costs caused by ADEs, and their distribution among payers. Furthermore, to describe the distribution of patient out-of-pocket costs and lost productivity caused by ADEs according to socio-economic characteristics.

METHOD

In a random sample of 5025 adults in a Swedish county, prevalence-based costs for ADEs were calculated. Two different methods were used: 1) based on resource use judged to be caused by ADEs, and 2) as costs attributable to ADEs by comparing costs among individuals with ADEs to costs among matched controls. Payers of costs caused by ADEs were identified in medical records among those with ADEs (n = 596), and costs caused to individual patients were described by socio-economic characteristics.

RESULTS

Costs for resource use caused by ADEs were €505 per patient with ADEs (95% confidence interval €345-665), of which 38% were indirect costs. Compared to matched controls, the costs attributable to ADEs were €1631, of which €410 were indirect costs. The local health authorities paid 58% of the costs caused by ADEs. Women had higher productivity loss than men (€426 vs. €109, p = 0.018). Out-of-pocket costs displaced a larger proportion of the disposable income among low-income earners than higher income earners (0.7% vs. 0.2%-0.3%).

CONCLUSION

We used two methods to identify costs for ADEs, both identifying indirect costs as an important component of the overall costs for ADEs. Although the largest payers of costs caused by ADEs were the local health authorities responsible for direct costs, employers and patients costs for lost productivity contributed substantially. Our results indicate inequalities in costs caused by ADEs, by sex and income.

Prevalence, nature and potential preventability of adverse drug events - a population-based medical record study of 4970 adults

AIMS

To estimate the 3 month prevalence of adverse drug events (ADEs), categories of ADEs and preventable ADEs, and the preventability of ADEs among adults in Sweden. Further, to identify drug classes and organ systems associated with ADEs and estimate their seriousness.

METHODS

A random sample of 5025 adults in a Swedish county council in 2008 was drawn from the Total Population Register. All their medical records in 29 inpatient care departments in three hospitals, 110 specialized outpatient clinics and 51 primary care units were reviewed retrospectively in a stepwise manner, and complemented with register data on dispensed drugs. ADEs, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), sub-therapeutic effects of drug therapy (STEs), drug dependence and abuse, drug intoxications from overdose, and morbidities due to drug-related untreated indication, were detected during a 3 month study period, and assessed for preventability.

RESULTS

Among 4970 included individuals, the prevalence of ADEs was 12.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1, 12.9%), and preventable ADEs 5.6% (95% CI 5.0, 6.2%). ADRs (6.9%; 95% CI 6.2, 7.6%) and STEs (6.4%; 95% CI 5.8, 7.1%) were more prevalent than the other ADEs. Of the ADEs, 38.8% (95% CI 35.8-41.9%) was preventable, varying by ADE category and seriousness. ADEs were frequently associated with nervous system and cardiovascular drugs, but the associated drugs and affected organs varied by ADE category.

CONCLUSIONS

The considerable burden of ADEs and preventable ADEs from commonly used drugs across care settings warrants large-scale efforts to redesign safer, higher quality healthcare systems. The heterogeneous nature of the ADE categories should be considered in research and clinical practice for preventing, detecting and mitigating ADEs.

Systematic review of the use of online questionnaires of older adults

OBJECTIVES

To describe methodological approaches to population targeting and sampling and to summarize limitations of Internet-based questionnaires in older adults.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review.

SETTING

Studies using online questionnaires in older adult populations.

PARTICIPANTS

English-language articles using search terms for geriatric, age 65 and over, Internet survey, online survey, Internet questionnaire, and online questionnaire in PubMed and EBSCO host between 1984 and July 2012. Inclusion criteria were study population mean age 65 and older and use of an online questionnaire for research. Review of 336 abstracts yielded 14 articles for full review by two investigators; 11 articles met inclusion criteria.

MEASUREMENTS

Articles were extracted for study design and setting, participant characteristics, recruitment strategy, country, and study limitations.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were published after 2001. Studies had populations with a mean age of 65 to 78, included descriptive and analytical designs, and were conducted in the United States, Australia, and Japan. Recruiting methods varied widely from paper fliers and personal e-mails to use of consumer marketing panels. Investigator-reported study limitations included the use of small convenience samples and limited generalizability.

CONCLUSION

Online questionnaires are a feasible method of surveying older adults in some geographic regions and for some subsets of older adults, but limited Internet access constrains recruiting methods and often limits study generalizability.

Refill adherence and self-reported adverse drug reactions and sub-therapeutic effects: a population-based study

PURPOSE

To assess refill adherence to dispensed oral long-term medications among the adult population and to investigate whether the percentages of self-reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and sub-therapeutic effects (STEs) differed for medications with adequate refill adherence, oversupply, and undersupply.

METHOD

Survey responses on self-reported ADRs and STEs were linked to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register in a cross-sectional population-based study. Refill adherence to antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and oral anti-diabetic medications was measured using the continuous measure of medication acquisition (CMA). The percentages of self-reported ADRs and STEs were compared between medications with adequate refill adherence (CMA 0.8-1.2), oversupply (CMA > 1.2), and undersupply (CMA < 0.8).

RESULTS

The study included 1827 persons, and the refill adherence was measured for 3014 antihypertensive, 839 lipid lowering, and 253 oral anti-diabetic medications. Overall, 65.7% of the medications had adequate refill adherence, 21.9% oversupply, and 12.4% undersupply. The percentages of self-reported ADRs and STEs were respectively 2.6%, 2.7%, and 2.1% (p > 0.5) for ADRs and 1.1%, 1.6%, and 1.5% (p > 0.5) for STEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate refill adherence was found in two thirds of the medication therapies. ADRs and STEs were unexpectedly equally commonly reported for medications with adequate refill adherence, oversupply, and undersupply. These results suggest that a better understanding of patients' refill behaviors and their perceived medication adverse outcomes is needed and should be considered in improving medication management. The impact of individual and healthcare factors that may influence the association between refill adherence and reported medication adverse outcomes should be investigated in future studies.

Prevalence and perceived preventability of self-reported adverse drug events--a population-based survey of 7099 adults

Purpose

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are common and often preventable among inpatients, but self-reported ADEs have not been investigated in a representative sample of the general public. The objectives of this study were to estimate the 1-month prevalence of self-reported ADEs among the adult general public, and the perceived preventability of 2 ADE categories: adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and sub-therapeutic effects (STEs).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a postal survey was sent in October 2010 to a random sample of 13 931 Swedish residents aged ≥18 years. Self-reported ADEs experienced during the past month included ADRs, STEs, drug dependence, drug intoxications and morbidity due to drug-related untreated indication. ADEs could be associated with prescription, non-prescription or herbal drugs. The respondents estimated whether ADRs and STEs could have been prevented. ADE prevalences in age groups (18–44, 45–64, or ≥65 years) were compared.

Results

Of 7099 respondents (response rate 51.0%), ADEs were reported by 19.4% (95% confidence interval, 18.5–20.3%), and the prevalence did not differ by age group (p>0.05). The prevalences of self-reported ADRs, STEs, and morbidities due to drug-related untreated indications were 7.8% (7.2–8.4%), 7.6% (7.0–8.2%) and 8.1% (7.5–8.7%), respectively. The prevalence of self-reported drug dependence was 2.2% (1.9–2.6%), and drug intoxications 0.2% (0.1–0.3%). The respondents considered 19.2% (14.8–23.6%) of ADRs and STEs preventable. Although reported drugs varied between ADE categories, most ADEs were attributable to commonly dispensed drugs. Drugs reported for all and preventable events were similar.

Conclusions

One-fifth of the adult general public across age groups reported ADEs during the past month, indicating a need for prevention strategies beyond hospitalised patients. For this, the underlying causes of ADEs should increasingly be investigated. The high burden of ADEs and preventable ADEs from widely used drugs across care settings supports redesigning a safer healthcare system to adequately tackle the problem.

Concern beliefs in medications: changes over time and medication use factors related to a change in beliefs

BACKGROUND

Concern belief in medication is a construct that may characterize patients' attitude toward managing medicines, and this could change with time. Understanding the factors that would impact a change in concern beliefs would be helpful in interventions that could reframe patients' perceptions about their medicines.

OBJECTIVES

To examine if patient concern beliefs in medications change over time, assess the characteristics of individuals whose beliefs change, and determine what factors might impact a change in patient beliefs.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis using 2 longitudinal studies. The first study was an Internet-based survey of Medicare enrollees pre-post Medicare Part D. The second study was a randomized controlled trial evaluating a medication management intervention among adults with physical limitations. Respondents were classified as those whose beliefs remained stable and those whose beliefs increased and decreased over 2 separate periods. Chi-square analysis examined significant differences across the groups. Multiple linear regressions examined factors that influence changes in patient beliefs.

RESULTS

Among older adults, there were differences in perceived health status (χ(2)=26.05, P=.001), number of pharmacies used (χ(2)=17.41, P=.008), and number of medicines used after the start of Medicare Part D. There were no significant differences among adults with physical limitations. Among older adults, having an increased number of medicines over time and reporting a self-reported adverse effect to a physician were positively associated with an increase in concern beliefs in medication. Having an increase in adherence was associated with a decrease in concern beliefs over time.

CONCLUSION

Concern beliefs in medications may contribute independent information about individuals' response to drug programs and policies. Outcomes of medication use may influence patient anxieties about medicines. The instability of patient concerns in medications that occurs with prescription drug coverage changes, and the emergence of adverse outcomes of medication use may provide insight into the development of individualized interventions.

Differences in Complexity of Discharge Medication Regimens between Men and Women Discharged from Acute Care to Home following Total Joint Arthroplasty

Purpose

This study determined whether discharge medication regimens that patients managed at home following hip or knee total joint arthroplasty differed between men and women. Comparisons were made among overall complexity of the regimen and the separate components contributing to complexity: number of medications, dosage forms, dosing frequencies, and additional administration directions.

Methods

Patient demographics and discharge medication regimens for serially discharged patients were retrospectively collected for a 3-month period from medical records at a large urban acute care hospital. Complexity of discharge medication regimens was quantified with the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI), which accounts for each separate component of complexity.

Results

The serial sample comprised 105 men and 93 women discharged to home following total joint arthroplasty. Men and women did not differ by hospital length of stay or by proportions with the most common secondary diagnoses (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes). Women were discharged with significantly more complex medication regimens to manage at home than men ( P = .047). Among the individual components contributing to complexity, women were discharged with significantly more medications on their lists than men ( P = .006) and had significantly larger dosing frequency scores than men ( P = .01).

Conclusions

Women discharged to home following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty may be at greater risk for an adverse drug event than men due to increased medication regimen complexity. These findings suggest that attempts should be made to mitigate this risk through reduced regimen complexity, specifically targeting dosing frequency, increased education for patients with complex regimens, or increased monitoring.

Self-reported adverse drug events and the role of illness perception and medication beliefs in ambulatory heart failure patients: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Identifying patients with heart failure (HF) who are at risk of experiencing symptomatic adverse drug events (ADEs) is important for improving patient care and quality of life. Several demographic and clinical variables have been identified as potential risk factors for ADEs but limited knowledge is available on the impact of HF patients' beliefs and perceptions on their experience of ADEs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to identify the relationship between HF patients' illness perception and medication beliefs and self-reported ADEs.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey was performed between November 2008 and March 2009.

SETTINGS

One university medical centre, two regional hospitals and 20 general practitioners in the Netherlands participated in the study.

PARTICIPANTS

495 patients with HF were included.

METHODS

Patients completed the validated Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and the Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) which collected data on their illness perception and medication beliefs. In addition, data on ADEs as experienced in the previous four weeks were collected through an open-ended question and a symptom checklist. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with these ADEs.

RESULTS

In total, 332 (67%) patients had experienced ADEs in the previous four weeks, of whom 28% reported dry mouth, 27% dizziness and 19% itchiness as the most prevalent. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, disease-related symptoms (illness identity) (OR for 1-5 symptoms 3.57; 95% CI 2.22-5.75, OR for >5 symptoms 7.37; 95% CI 3.44-15.8), and general beliefs about medication overuse (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.13) were independently associated with experiencing ADEs, whereas none of the demographic or clinical factors were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

HF patients who perceive a high number of disease symptoms and have negative medication beliefs are at higher risk of experiencing self-reported ADEs. We suggest that future studies and interventions to improve ADE management should focus on negative medication beliefs and assisting patients in differentiating disease symptoms from ADEs.

Reducing Adverse Self-Medication Behaviors in Older Adults with Hypertension: Results of an e-health Clinical Efficacy Trial

A randomized controlled efficacy trial targeting older adults with hypertension (age 60 and over) provided an e-health, tailored intervention with the "next generation" of the Personal Education Program (PEP-NG). Eleven primary care practices with advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) providers participated. Participants (N = 160) were randomly assigned by the PEP-NG (accessed via a wireless touchscreen tablet computer) to either control (entailing data collection and four routine APRN visits) or tailored intervention (involving PEP-NG intervention and four focused APRN visits) group. Compared to patients in the control group, patients receiving the PEP-NG e-health intervention achieved significant increases in both self-medication knowledge and self-efficacy measures, with large effect sizes. Among patients not at BP targets upon entry to the study, therapy intensification in controls (increased antihypertensive dose and/or an additional antihypertensive) was significant (p = .001) with an odds ratio of 21.27 in the control compared to the intervention group. Among patients not at BP targets on visit 1, there was a significant declining linear trend in proportion of the intervention group taking NSAIDs 21-31 days/month (p = 0.008). Satisfaction with the PEP-NG and the APRN provider relationship was high in both groups. These results suggest that the PEP-NG e-health intervention in primary care practices is effective in increasing knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as improving behavior regarding adverse self-medication practices among older adults with hypertension.

Association between limited English proficiency and understanding prescription labels among five ethnic groups in California

OBJECTIVE

Misunderstanding of prescription labels results in adverse drug events and non-adherence. We assessed the effect of limited English and other factors on prescription understanding among five ethnic groups in a controlled analysis.

DESIGN

Subjects were respondents to California's 2007 Health Interview Survey who received a prescription in the past year. In separate logistic regressions, limited English's effect on self-reported prescription understanding - controlling for bilingual doctor, education level, medications for chronic conditions, disability, years in USA, citizenship and socio-demographics - was estimated for Mexicans, Central Americans, Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese.

RESULTS

Unweighted sample size was 48,968. Approximately 14% had limited English and 8% had difficulty in understanding prescriptions. In multivariate analysis, limited English increased odds of difficulty in understanding prescriptions by three times for Mexicans, Central Americans, and Koreans, and four times for Chinese; it was insignificant for Vietnamese. Generally, having a bilingual doctor reduced odds of difficulty while disability, low education, low income or recent immigration increased odds of difficulty. Effects varied according to the ethnic group. In controlled analysis, Chinese and Korean ethnicity increased odds of difficulty compared to Mexican or Central American ethnicity; Vietnamese ethnicity reduced odds of difficulty compared to others.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited English blocked prescription understanding for all groups except Vietnamese. Translated prescription labels and interpreted in-person pharmacy consultations are indicated. Education and ethnicity affected prescription understanding; prescription instructions must be compatible with patients' educational level and culture. Bilingual/bicultural providers and interpreters can help bridge linguistic/cultural gaps but efforts should be made to ensure that they are truly culturally and linguistically concordant. Linguistic, cultural or educational needs should be noted in the patient's record or on the prescription to alert pharmacy staff. Sub-populations needing extra support include chronically ill, disabled, recent immigrants, low-income or rural inhabitants. Community outreach workers may provide an effective strategy for assisting these sub-populations with prescriptions.

Perceived medication adverse effects and coping strategies reported by chronic heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

Data on medication adverse effects (AEs) in chronic heart failure (CHF) are primarily based on results from clinical trials. Little is known about AEs perceived by CHF patients in daily practice and how patients deal with these subjective AEs.

AIMS

To describe the scope and nature of perceived AEs of CHF patients, their coping strategies and the relationship of perceived AEs to medication, patient characteristics and quality of life.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study included a sample of 680 patients previously hospitalised for CHF. Perceived AEs and coping strategies were collected by interviews based on a structured questionnaire. Medication and clinical information were collected by chart review.

RESULTS

Of the 670 CHF patients completing the questionnaire, 17% reported at least one AE. In total, 186 AEs were reported of which 15% could not be linked to any medication. Nausea (4%), dizziness (4%), itches (3%) and rash (3%) were the most prevalent. The drug associated with the highest AE rate was pravastatin (27%). On average, more than five different drugs could be related to the AEs headache, dizziness and nausea. Patients reporting AEs had a lower general health perception, younger age and were more often using antiarrhythmic drugs. Of patients experiencing AEs, 69% conferred with their doctor, 24% reported having done nothing in reaction and 2% discontinued their medication without discussing it with the doctor.

CONCLUSION

Adverse effects are frequently perceived by CHF patients, but they are difficult to recognise and manage in daily practice.

Adherence to multiple, prescribed medications in diabetic kidney disease: A qualitative study of consumers' and health professionals' perspectives

BACKGROUND

Individuals are adherent to approximately 50% of their prescribed medications, which decreases when multiple, chronic conditions are involved.

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors affecting adherence to multiple prescribed medications for consumers with co-existing diabetes and chronic kidney disease (diabetic kidney disease) from the time of prescription to the time they took their medications.

DESIGN

A descriptive exploratory design was used incorporating in-depth interviews and focus groups.

SETTING

The diabetes and nephrology departments of two metropolitan, public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 23 consumers with diabetic kidney disease participated in an in-depth interview. Inclusion criteria involved English-speaking individuals, aged > or =18 years, with co-existing diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and who were mentally competent. Exclusion criteria included impending commencement on dialysis, pregnancy, an aggressive form of cancer, or a mental syndrome that was not stabilised with medication. Sixteen health professionals working in diabetes and nephrology departments in Melbourne, Australia also participated in one of two focus groups.

METHODS

In-depth structured interviews and focus groups were conducted and analysed according to a model of medication adherence.

RESULTS

Consumers were not convinced of the need, effectiveness and safety of all of their medications. Alternatively, health professionals focussed on the importance of consumers taking their medications as prescribed and believed that the risk of medication-related adverse effects was over-rated. Accessing prescribed medications and difficulties surrounding continuity of care contributed to consumers' unintentional medication non-adherence. In particular, it was hard for consumers to persist taking their ongoing medication prescriptions. Healthcare system inadequacies were highlighted, which affected relationships between consumers with diabetic kidney disease and health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging the barriers as perceived by consumers with diabetic kidney disease can facilitate effective communication and partnerships with health professionals necessary for medication adherence and medication safety.