Persistence as a Robust Indicator of Medication Adherence-Related Quality and Performance

Real-World Long-Term Persistence and Surgical Procedure-Free Period Among Bio-naïve Patients with Crohn's Disease and Fistula Initiated on Ustekinumab

INTRODUCTION

Fistula is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Treatment with biologics has been associated with fistula healing. Long-term persistence is an important factor for a chronic inflammatory process such as fistula. This study described 24-month persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints among bio-naïve patients with CD and intestinal fistula who were initiated on ustekinumab.

METHODS

Adults with CD and any enteric or perianal fistula initiated on ustekinumab (index date) between September 23, 2016, and March 2, 2022, were selected from the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database and followed up to 24 months. Persistence on ustekinumab (no gaps in days of supply of > 120 days) and composite endpoints of being persistent while on monotherapy and persistent while corticosteroid free were also assessed. The date of surgery was defined as the date of first claim for any CD-related surgeries. Persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints were assessed from the index date until the earliest of discontinuation (event), immunomodulator or other biologic use (event), corticosteroid use (event), date of surgery (event), 24-month follow-up or data end (censoring) using Kaplan-Meier analyses.

RESULTS

The sample included 445 patients (mean age: 42.8 years; 56.6% female). The most common type of fistula was anal fistula (36.0%). At 24 months after ustekinumab initiation, 64.2% of patients remained persistent (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.8-71.4). Furthermore, 53.3% of patients were persistent while on monotherapy (95% CI 45.1-60.7), and 45.6% of patients were persistent while being corticosteroid free (95% CI 36.9-53.8). At 24 months, 22.8% (95% CI 17.0-30.3) of patients underwent any CD-related surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study quantified long-term persistence on ustekinumab among bio-naïve patients with CD and fistula. Over half of patients initiated on ustekinumab were persistent and persistent while on monotherapy 24 months after initiation. Time-to-surgery estimate was comparable to existing evidence. These findings support ustekinumab as a treatment option for long-term management of CD with fistula.

Your feelings are reasonable: Emotional validation promotes persistence among preschoolers

Persistence is a critical factor that significantly predicts life outcomes. Although individual differences in persistence emerge early in life, the knowledge of effective strategies for cultivating persistence in young children remains limited. Based on these two studies, we suggest that emotional validation, defined as the acceptance of emotions without judgment, is a beneficial technique for promoting persistence in the wake of frustration. Study 1 examined 150 parents of children aged 4-6 years and found that parents' tendency to validate their children's emotions was positively associated with children's trait persistence. We conducted a randomized experiment (N = 93, aged 4-6 years) in Study 2 to establish a causal relationship between emotional validation and persistence in preschoolers. Children who received emotional validation feedback (n = 31) exhibited higher levels of persistence than those who received emotional invalidation (n = 31) and no feedback (baseline, n = 31) on a frustrating task. The persistence between the emotional invalidation and no-feedback conditions was not statistically different. This finding highlights the vital role of emotional validation in promoting persistence in children at trait and state levels. In summary, this study offers a compelling strategy for empowering young children with resilience and determination when they encounter challenges. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Parental emotional validation predicts the trait-level persistence of children aged 4-6 years. Children who received emotion-validation feedback persisted longer on a task than those who received emotion-invalidation feedback or no feedback. Children in the emotion invalidation condition did not differ from those in the no-feedback condition in terms of persistence. Future studies are required to investigate the mechanisms underlying emotional validation in promoting task persistence in children.

Trends in dupilumab persistence among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Establishing effective treatment algorithms for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains challenging, particularly concerning biologic therapies' discontinuation rates. Limited real-world data exist on the persistence of dupilumab, a biologic used in CRSwNP. We conducted a large-scale claims-based analysis to compare dupilumab discontinuation rates. Methodology: Utilizing the IBM MarketScan® Research Database, we identified CRS patients treated with dupilumab from July 2019 to December 2021. We assessed drug discontinuation rates, comorbidities, demographics, and surgical history using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Of 1718 CRS patients on dupilumab, median age at initiation was 45 years, with 44% male. Dupilumab persistence varied by comorbidity, with patients with comorbid asthma exhibiting the longest median usage (652 days). Statistically significant differences in drug persistence were observed among comorbid conditions (p<0.001). Younger patients (<50 years) had higher discontinuation rates (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our study reveals that many CRS patients without comorbidities discontinue dupilumab within the first year, with a median duration of 366 days. Age and comorbidities significantly influence dupilumab persistence. These findings aid clinicians in counseling CRS patients and underscore the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies.

Validating methods used to identify non-adherence adverse drug events in Canadian administrative health data

AIMS

Medication non-adherence is a type of adverse drug event that can lead to untreated and exacerbated chronic illness, and that drives healthcare utilization. Research using medication claims data has attempted to identify instances of medication non-adherence using the proportion of days covered or by examining gaps between medication refills. We sought to validate these measures compared to a gold standard diagnosis of non-adherence made in hospital.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of adverse drug events diagnosed during three prospective cohorts in British Columbia between 2008 and 2015 (n = 976). We linked prospectively identified adverse drug events to medication claims data to examine the sensitivity and specificity of typical non-adherence measures.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the non-adherence measures ranged from 22.4% to 37.5%, with a proportion of days covered threshold of 95% performing the best; the non-persistence measures had sensitivities ranging from 10.4% to 58.3%. While a 7-day gap was most sensitive, it classified 61.2% of the sample as non-adherent, whereas only 19.6% were diagnosed as such in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

The methods used to identify non-adherence in administrative databases are not accurate when compared to a gold standard diagnosis by healthcare providers. Research that has relied on administrative data to identify non-adherent patients both underestimates the magnitude of the problem and may label patients as non-adherent who were in fact adherent.

Association Between Persistence with Oral Atypical Antipsychotic Medications and Hospital and Emergency Department Utilization in Medicaid Patients with Schizophrenia

Purpose

To examine 1-year persistence with oral atypical antipsychotics (OAAPs) for Medicaid patients with schizophrenia and assess the association between OAAP persistence and hospital and emergency department (ED) resource utilization.

Patients and Methods

Using 2016-2020 multi-state Medicaid claims data, this retrospective study followed patients diagnosed with schizophrenia for 12 months after initiating OAAP therapy. Patients started on an OAAP with no evidence of antipsychotic use in the previous 6 months were included if they had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, were not dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, did not switch to a long-acting injectable antipsychotic, and were continuously eligible 6 months before and 12 months after the initial OAAP prescription (index date). OAAP persistence was measured allowing for a <60-day gap. All-cause and schizophrenia-related inpatient and emergency department (ED) resource utilization during the follow-up period were compared between OAAP persistent and non-persistent groups.

Results

The study sample of 13,007 had an average age of 39.1 years and 57.0% were male. Patients were persistent with their index OAAP for 135 days on average and 73.1% had a ≥60-day gap in antipsychotic therapy post-index. While 32.8% and 28.6% of patients who did not persist with their index OAAP restarted the index OAAP or switched to a different OAAP medication later in the year, respectively, a larger proportion (38.6%) had no further OAAP prescriptions. After adjustment for demographic and clinical variables, compared to non-persistent patients, persisting with OAAPs was significantly associated with fewer all-cause and schizophrenia-related hospitalizations (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR]=0.742, p<0.001; IRR=0.823, p<0.001; respectively) and ED visits (IRR=0.759, p<0.001; IRR=0.773, p<0.001; respectively).

Conclusion

Non-persistence with OAAP medication is common among patients with schizophrenia and associated with negative outcomes including increased utilization of hospital and ED resources. Patient-centered interventions that improve antipsychotic persistence should be implemented to facilitate optimal outcomes in this population.

From non-adherence to adherence: Can innovative solutions resolve a longstanding problem?

Non-adherence to medication is a longstanding problem, profoundly affecting patient outcomes and sustainability of healthcare systems. Historically, non-adherence has been observed since the time of Hippocrates, however, when potent drugs became available in the midst of the 20th century, it became a pivotal concern. Despite numerous studies and interventions designed, medication adherence rates remain suboptimal, currently reaching about 50 % still, as described in WHO report two decades ago. What is worse, many healthcare professionals feel neither responsible nor able to change it. Enhancing adherence requires in-depth understanding of the concept, as many intuitive approaches fail to work. For example, contrary to expectations, patient education alone proves insufficient when addressing this issue. Both behavioural models and recent experience reflecting low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccinations strongly suggest that patients' decisions are driven by emotions, which often results in intentional non-adherence. Several technical innovations, such as smart inhalers and electronic pill dispensers, offer potential solutions. However, their effectiveness varies, and standardized certification procedures are lacking. Altogether, technical solutions do not eliminate the problem entirely. To move forward, social and health system innovation is equally needed. Multiple stakeholders could benefit from improved adherence, therefore their greater involvement is advisable to create an adherence-supporting environment. In conclusion, despite available evidence-based interventions, non-adherence remains a complex challenge. Technical and social innovations, combined with a shift in policy priorities, could lead to improved medication adherence and better patient outcomes. The global tide of non-communicable chronic conditions, and aging of societies urges us to take this problem seriously.

Drug Utilization and Measurement of Medication Adherence: A Real World Study of Psoriasis in Italy

Exceptional advances have been made with systemic treatment for psoriasis (PSO). However, that disease still represents a heavy burden in terms of impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This study comprehensively assesses medication adherence in a real world setting in Italy across all phases-initiation, implementation, and persistence-of PSO therapies. By distinguishing between switches and swaps, it provides unique insights into the patient's own approach to prescribed therapy as well as clinical decision-making processes, enhancing our understanding of medication adherence and discontinuation in a real world daily setting. The study's refined methodology for assessing persistence, considering variations in refill gaps and complex dosing regimens, shows that anti-interleukin (IL) therapies are associated with longer periods of adherence compared with other available therapeutic strategies. Among the selected drugs, ixekizumab and secukinumab were the ones with higher rate of treatment adherence at the expense of anti-TNF-α and anti-PDE4 agents. Notably, patients who opt for swaps are approximately 2.8 times more likely to discontinue their PSO therapy within one year. These findings carry practical implications for optimizing medication adherence, including tailored patient counseling, monitoring, and therapeutic adjustments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to managing these conditions.

Italian Translation and Validation of the Original ABC Taxonomy for Medication Adherence

Medication adherence represents a complex and multifaceted process. Standardized terminology is essential to enable a reproducible process in various languages. The study's aim was to translate and adapt the original Ascertaining Barriers for Compliance (ABC) Taxonomy on medication adherence, first proposed in 2012, into Italian language. The study was carried out according to the Preferred Methods for Translation of the ABC Taxonomy for Medication Adherence adopted by the ESPACOMP. Key steps included: (1) a systematic literature review using PubMed and Embase according to the PRISMA Guidelines to identify published Italian terms and definitions, and Italian adherence experts; (2) a forward translation of terms and definitions; (3) panelists' selection; (4) a three-round Delphi survey. From the systematic review, 19 studies allowed detection of 4 terms, 4 definitions and 767 Italian experts. To these, Italian ESPACOMP members and experts though snowball sampling were added. The identified Italian adherence experts received the Delphi questionnaire. The Italian ABC Taxonomy was achieved after three rounds of Delphi survey by reaching at least a moderate consensus on unambiguous naming and definition of medication adherence-related terms. The Taxonomy is intended to be used in research, academic, and professional fields in order to harmonize adherence terminology and avoid confusion in comparing research findings.

Persistence to Medications for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Benign Prostatic Obstruction-Associated Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte (Italy)

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)-associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) aims at improving patients' quality of life by managing urinary symptoms and preventing complications and disease progression. However, continuous use of drugs to treat BPH/BPO-associated LUTS decreases over time. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe use of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists (ABs) and steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) by adult (age ≥ 40 years) men in the ASL TO4, a Local Health Authority in the northern area of the city of Turin (Italy).

METHODS

Persistence measures were adopted as a robust, informative, and feasible way to understand medication-taking behavior and to assess patient compliance.

RESULTS

A total of 4309 men (median age 71 years) were enrolled. Monotherapy was the treatment option prescribed to the largest part of the study population. However, ≥two drugs were prescribed to a substantial proportion of men (23%). Men prescribed alfuzosin or dutasteride had significantly greater persistence, which decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Unmet needs and areas of intervention for healthcare systems aimed at improving the use of drugs for BHP/BPO-associated LUTS in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte were identified.

Recent Updates on Risk and Management Plans Associated with Polypharmacy in Older Population

The concept of polypharmacy encompasses adverse drug reactions and non-adherence factors in elderly individuals. It also leads to the increased use of healthcare services and negative health outcomes. The problem is further alleviated by the odds of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM), which lead to the development of drug-related problems. Since polypharmacy is more commonly observed in the elderly population, urgency is required to introduce operative protocols for preventing and managing this problem. The family medicine model of care can be associated with favorable illness outcomes regarding satisfaction with consultation, treatment adherence, self-management behaviors, adherence to medical advice, and healthcare utilization. Hence, interventions built on family medicine models can provide significant support in improving the outcomes of the older population and their quality of life. In this regard, the authors have taken up the task of explaining the accessible resources which can be availed to improve the application of health care services in the field of geriatric medicine.

Real-world clinical outcomes of treatment with brodalumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a retrospective, 24-month experience from four academic dermatology centers in Greece

OBJECTIVE

To assess the real-world clinical treatment outcomes with brodalumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Greece.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a longitudinal, retrospective, real-world analysis of data from medical records of 106 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, treated with brodalumab for up to 24 months at four University Dermatology Centers in Greece. Efficacy assessments of psoriasis severity [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area affected (BSA) scores] and its impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score] were evaluated at different timepoints up to 24 months.

RESULTS

Treatment with brodalumab reduced both mean PASI (14.0-1.5, p < .001) and BSA scores (21.6-2.5, p < .001) across all visits. This effect was accompanied by reduction in mean DLQI score (12.8-2.1, p < .001) across all visits compared with baseline. Moreover, therapeutic efficacy was affected by prior biologic treatment exposure, as biologic naïve patients had greater reductions in all scores from baseline following treatment with brodalumab (numerical for mean PASI, significant for mean BSA and DLQI scores).

CONCLUSION

Brodalumab is effective long term, improving disease severity and health-related QoL in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a real-world setting.

A Pharmacy-Based eHealth Intervention Promoting Correct Use of Medication in Patients With Asthma and COPD: Nonrandomized Pre-Post Study

BACKGROUND

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions of people worldwide. While medication can control and improve disease symptoms, incorrect use of medication is a common problem. The eHealth intervention SARA (Service Apothecary Respiratory Advice) aims to improve participants' correct use of inhalation medication by providing information and as-needed tailored follow-up support by a pharmacist.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SARA on exacerbation rates in participants with asthma and COPD. Secondary aims were to investigate its effects in terms of adherence to maintenance medication and antimycotic treatment.

METHODS

In this nonrandomized pre-post study, medication dispensing data from 382 Dutch community pharmacies were included. Exacerbation rates were assessed with dispensed short-course oral corticosteroids. Medication adherence between new and chronic users was assessed by calculating the proportion of days covered from dispensed inhalation maintenance medication. Antimycotic treatment was investigated from dispensed oral antimycotics in participants who were also dispensed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Outcomes were assessed 1 year before and 1 year after implementation of SARA and were compared between SARA participants and control participants. More specifically, for exacerbation rates and medication adherence, a difference score was calculated (ie, 1 year after SARA minus 1 year before SARA) and was subsequently compared between the study groups with independent-samples t tests. For antimycotics, the relative number of participants who were dispensed antimycotics was calculated and subsequently analyzed with a mixed-effects logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 9452 participants, of whom 2400 (25.39%) were SARA participants. The mean age of the population was 60.8 (15.0) years, and approximately two-thirds (n=5677, 60.06%) were female. The results showed an increase in mean exacerbation rates over time for both study groups (SARA: 0.05; control: 0.15). However, this increase in exacerbation rates was significantly lower for SARA participants (t₉₄₅₀=3.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.16; P=.002; Cohen d=0.06). Chronic users of inhalation medication in both study groups showed an increase in mean medication adherence over time (SARA: 6.73; control: 4.48); however, this increase was significantly higher for SARA participants (t₅₈₈₆=-2.74, 95% CI -3.86 to -0.84; P=.01; Cohen d=-0.07). Among new users of inhalation medication, results showed no significant difference in medication adherence between SARA and control participants in the year after implementation of SARA (t₁₄₃₄=-1.85, 95% CI -5.60 to 0.16; P=.06; Cohen d=-0.10). Among ICS users, no significant differences between the study groups were found over time in terms of the proportion of participants who were dispensed antimycotics (t₅₆₅₄=0.29, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.54; P=.76; Cohen d=0).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence that the SARA eHealth intervention might have the potential to decrease exacerbation rates and improve medication adherence among patients with asthma and COPD.