Interventional tools to improve medication adherence: review of literature

A Prospective Study of Usability and Workload of Electronic Medication Adherence Products by Older Adults, Caregivers, and Health Care Providers

Background

A decreased capacity to self-manage medications results in nonadherence, medication errors, and drug-related problems in older adults. Previous research identified 80 electronic medication adherence products available to assist patients with self-management of medications. Unfortunately, the usability and workload of these products are unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the usability and workload of a sample of electronic medication adherence products.

Methods

In a prospective, mixed methods study, a sample of older adults, health care professionals, and caregivers tested the usability and workload of 21 electronic medication adherence products. Each participant tested 5 products, one at a time, after which they completed the system usability scale (SUS) and NASA-task load index (NASA-TLX), instruments that measure the usability and workload involved in using a product. Higher SUS scores indicate more user-friendliness, whereas lower NASA-TLX raw scores indicate less workload when using a product.

Results

Electronic medication adherence products required a mean of 12.7 steps (range 5-20) for the appropriate use and took, on average, 15.19 min to complete the setup tasks (range 1-56). Participants were able to complete all steps without assistance 55.3% of the time (103 out of the 186 tests were completed by 39 participants; range 0%-100%). The mean SUS and NASA-TLX raw scores were 52.8 (SD 28.7; range 0-100) and 50.0 (SD 25.7; range 4.2-99.2), respectively, revealing significant variability among the electronic medication adherence products. The most user-friendly products were found to be TimerCap travel size (mean 78.67, SD 15.57; P=.03) and eNNOVEA Weekly Planner with Advanced Auto Reminder (mean 78.13, SD 14.13; P=.049) as compared with MedReady 1700 automated medication dispenser (mean 28.63, SD 21.24). Similarly, MedReady (72.92, SD 18.69) was found to be significantly more work intensive when compared with TimerCap (29.35, SD 20.35; P=.03), e-pill MedGlider home medication management system (28.43, SD 20.80; P=.02), and eNNOVEA (28.65, SD 14.97; P=.03). The e-pill MedTime Station automatic pill dispenser with tipper (71.77, SD 21.98) had significantly more workload than TimerCap (P=.04), MedGlider (P=.03), and eNNOVEA (P=.04).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that variability exists in the usability and workload of different electronic medication adherence products among older adults, caregivers, and clinicians. With few studies having investigated the usability and workload of electronic medication adherence products, no benchmarks exist to compare the usability and workload of these products. However, our study highlights the need to assess the usability and workload of different products marketed to assist with medication taking and provides guidance to clinicians regarding electronic medication adherence product recommendations for their patients. Future development of electronic medication adherence products should ensure that the target populations of patients are able to use these products adequately to improve medication management.

Perspectives of Patients on Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy: Experiences and Adherence

Background

Nonadherence to medication is a burden to the US health care system and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Data on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) treatment plan adherence are lacking. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of nonadherence and factors associated with it.

Methods

We surveyed patients discharged from a tertiary hospital on OPAT between February and August 2019 about their baseline characteristics, OPAT regimen, adherence, and experience with OPAT.

Results

Sixty-five patients responded to the survey. The median age was 62 years, and 56% were male. The rate of reported nonadherence to intravenous (IV) antibiotics was 10%. Factors associated with nonadherence to IV antibiotics included younger age, household income of <$20000, and lack of time for administering IV antibiotics (30 vs 64 years, P < .01; 83% vs 20%, P < .01, and 33% vs 4%, P = .04, in the nonadherent vs adherent groups, respectively), while less frequent administration (once or twice daily) and having friend or family support during IV antibiotic administration were associated with better adherence (17% vs 76%, P < .01, and 17% vs 66%, P = .03, in the nonadherent vs adherent groups, respectively). Most patients attended their infectious diseases clinic visits (n = 44, 71%), and the most commonly cited reasons for missing an appointment were lacking transportation (n = 12, 60%), not feeling well (n = 8, 40%), and being unaware of the appointment (n = 6, 30%).

Conclusions

Less frequent antibiotic dosing and better social support were associated with improved adherence to OPAT. In contrast, younger age, lower income, and lack of time were associated with nonadherence.

A Medication Management Intervention for Patients and Families with SCI and ABI

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of a pre-discharge, medication management intervention to improve perceived knowledge and perceived confidence for post-discharge medication management for rehabilitation patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and families of patients with SCIs or acquired brain injuries (ABIs). We used a quasi-experimental, matched-pair design. Treatment participants (n = 112) completed the intervention with pre- and post-tests assessing perceived knowledge and perceived confidence for post-discharge medication management. Control participants (n = 95) enrolled at 60-days post-discharge. All participants (N = 207) completed measures on perceived knowledge, perceived confidence, and medication management by phone at 60-days post-discharge. The intervention significantly increased treatment participants' perceived knowledge and perceived confidence from pre- to post-test. Sex, injury severity, and income were associated with primary outcomes. Treatment participants used more tools for medication management post-discharge. Our findings suggest that patients and family members may benefit from pre-discharge medication management interventions.

To Comply or Not to Comply: Roma Approach to Health Laws

According to the general public in Slovakia, compliance with the law is problematic when it comes to Roma and health. Roma compliance with laws has not yet been studied. The aim of this is study was to explore the determinants of Roma behavior in the field of health laws. We used the concept of a semi-autonomous field proposed by Moore (1973) and the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen (1985). We found that Roma (non-)compliance with health laws was influenced by many different factors, such as beliefs, traditions, living conditions and culture. Group beliefs overrule national laws and also individual preferences, which tend to be subordinate to the group view. The less contact Roma from settlements have with non-Roma, the stronger their own rules are in the field of health. Roma health status is influenced by many factors: group beliefs and community traditions are stronger and overrule individual and state behavioral influence. A community-based participatory approach together with improvement of living conditions in cooperation with Roma is desirable.

Improving Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes

International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are more than a half-billion adults ages 20 to 79 years worldwide who have diabetes mellitus (DM) and that the global health care expenditure for adults with DM in 2015 was $673 billion. Nonadherence and nonpersistence to prescribed type 2 DM medications are common and remain a barrier to optimal health outcomes. There is a high prevalence of nonadherence among older adults. Research has focused on prevalence and predictors of adherence, research methodologies, and development of measures of adherence. Improvements hopefully will result in better disease monitoring, medication adherence, and reduced rates of diabetes complications.

Patient factors associated with diabetes medication adherence at different health literacy levels: a cross-sectional study at a family medicine clinic

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) incurs tremendous health costs associated with various complications due to poor diabetes control. Medication adherence, which is correlated with patients' health literacy, should be consistently practiced achieving optimal diabetes control. A deeper understanding of the specific communication and psychosocial factors related to medication-taking behaviors across different levels of health literacy among people with T2D will guide the development of effective interventions and strategies to enhance medication adherence.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify salient patient factors associated with diabetes medication adherence across different levels of health literacy.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered via a face-to-face approach with 205 participants at a family medicine clinic. Study participants were all above 20 years of age with T2D, were prescribed at least one oral diabetes medication, and understood English. The questionnaire assessed participants' health literacy, self-efficacy for medication use, beliefs in medicines, patient-provider communication, perceived barriers to medication adherence, and self-reported medication adherence. Separate analysis of covariance was used to compare the mean scores of patient factors related to medication adherence across people with different health literacy levels.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 61 years old, and the majority of the participants were female (57%), White (75%), and college educated (62%). Thirty-three percent of the participants had adequate health literacy, but only 43% of them reported high adherence to their diabetes medications. Analysis of covariance showed that having stronger self-efficacy (P < 0.001), lower concern beliefs about medication (P = 0.047), and fewer perceived barriers to medication-taking (P < 0.001), are necessary for better medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that practitioners should address concern beliefs among low-adherent patients with low health literacy, help improve self-efficacy, and address perceived barriers to medication adherence among all low-adherent patients to optimally support patients' diabetes care.

Differential Medication Attitudes to Antihypertensive and Mood Stabilizing Agents in response to an Automated Text-Messaging Adherence Enhancement Intervention

OBJECTIVES

Individuals with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder (BD) are at an increased risk for poor medication adherence compared to the general population. Individuals with BD also have high rates of chronic comorbid medical conditions like hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Cognitive-behavioral therapies often integrate strategies to improve medication adherence by targeting medication attitudes and self-efficacy, but the pathway toward behavior change needs further investigation.

METHODS

This 3-month prospective, single-arm cohort study tested an automated SMS intervention entitled Individualized Texting for Adherence Building- Cardiovascular (iTAB-CV) in 38 participants with BD and HTN. The Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ) measures the percentage of BD and HTN non-adherence over the past week and the past month. Attitudinal and habit measures including the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale-Revised (MASES-R), the Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI), the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and the Attitudes toward Mood Stabilizers Questionnaire (AMSQ) were given for BD and HTN medications. Correlational analyses were run to determine the associations between BD and HTN attitudinal and habit indices. Additionally, longitudinal analyses were conducted to determine if attitudes changed over time as a function of a 2-month mobile-health intervention.

RESULTS

Illness attitudes towards BD were worse than towards HTN at the start of the study. Attitudes toward BD and towards mood-stabilizing drugs as well as antihypertensives improved following a mHealth intervention aimed at improving adherence. Furthermore, self-efficacy and habit strength for both BD and HTN drugs were correlated and were responsive to the intervention, with most of the change occurring after the first month of the intervention and not requiring the addition of the explicit reminders.

CONCLUSION

Participants who received iTAB-CV showed improved attitudes towards BD and mood-stabilizing medication, and had an improvement in self-efficacy and habit strength towards taking both BD and HTN medications. Increased attention to mechanisms of change in mHealth interventions for adherence may facilitate impact. It should be noted that the methodology of the study limits drawing causal conclusions and suggests the need for a randomized control trial.

Association of out-of-pocket costs on adherence to common neurologic medications

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between out-of-pocket costs and medication adherence in 3 common neurologic diseases.

METHODS

Utilizing privately insured claims from 2001 to 2016, we identified patients with incident neuropathy, dementia, or Parkinson disease (PD). We selected patients who were prescribed medications with similar efficacy and tolerability, but differential out-of-pocket costs (neuropathy with gabapentinoids or mixed serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], dementia with cholinesterase inhibitors, PD with dopamine agonists). Medication adherence was defined as the number of days supplied in the first 6 months. Instrumental variable analysis was used to estimate the association of out-of-pocket costs and other patient factors on medication adherence.

RESULTS

We identified 52,249 patients with neuropathy on gabapentinoids, 5,246 patients with neuropathy on SNRIs, 19,820 patients with dementia on cholinesterase inhibitors, and 3,130 patients with PD on dopamine agonists. Increasing out-of-pocket costs by $50 was associated with significantly lower medication adherence for patients with neuropathy on gabapentinoids (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.91, 0.89-0.93) and dementia (adjusted IRR 0.88, 0.86-0.91). Increased out-of-pocket costs for patients with neuropathy on SNRIs (adjusted IRR 0.97, 0.88-1.08) and patients with PD (adjusted IRR 0.90, 0.81-1.00) were not significantly associated with medication adherence. Minority populations had lower adherence with gabapentinoids and cholinesterase inhibitors compared to white patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher out-of-pocket costs were associated with lower medication adherence in 3 common neurologic conditions. When prescribing medications, physicians should consider these costs in order to increase adherence, especially as out-of-pocket costs continue to rise. Racial/ethnic disparities were also observed; therefore, minority populations should receive additional focus in future intervention efforts to improve adherence.

A brief motivational intervention for enhancing medication adherence for adolescents with bipolar disorder: A pilot randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Youth with bipolar disorder (BP) exhibit poor medication adherence, contributing to affective recurrence. Brief Motivational Interventions (BMIs) improve adherence among adolescents with chronic conditions.

METHODS

In an open pilot series, we developed a 3-session BMI for BP adolescents targeting medication adherence and conducted a pilot randomized trial comparing Standard Care (SC) versus SC+BMI. Participants include 43 adolescents with BP prescribed psychotropic medications. We assessed medication adherence objectively via bluetooth-enabled electronic pillbox (MedTracker). A blinded evaluator assessed mood symptoms at intake, 3- and 6-months.

RESULTS

The BMI was well-received. Average objective medication adherence increased with time in SC+BMI, but decreased in SC-Alone (p < 0.0001). Adolescents' baseline self-rated expectation of improvement with treatment moderated the effect of treatment on improvement in adherence over time (p = 0.003). Across groups, poor adherence predicted increased likelihood of depression and hypo/mania symptoms in the subsequent two weeks; medication adherence mediated the effect of the BMI on the likelihood of depressive symptoms (p = 0.007).

LIMITATIONS

Electronic pillbox use (across groups) may enhance adherence, resulting in overestimates compared with naturalistic conditions. This pilot randomized trial may have been underpowered to detect some group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

A BMI offers promise as a disseminable adjunctive intervention for improving medication adherence for adolescents with BP. Future studies with larger samples can establish efficacy. NCT03203720.

Effectiveness of Electronic Medication Packaging Devices on Medication Adherence: A Scoping Review

Poor adherence to complex medication regimens is a global problem that affects the treatment of chronic diseases, which involves polypharmacy and requires long-term administration of medications. The most significant barrier to medication adherence in older adults is patient-related factors. The purpose of this study was to find evidence from the current literature to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic medication packaging (EMP) devices on improving medication adherence in older patients. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, focusing on medication adherence and EMP devices with specific technological features. Search results included studies with experiences of patients with four different devices and various medical conditions. Study results indicated that EMP devices may improve medication adherence in older patients. However, due to insufficient evidence that supports their effectiveness specifically in the aging population, further clinical validation in older adults is recommended to draw strong conclusions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(3), 27-36.].

From Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Dementia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Implications for Clinical Practice and Disease Management: A Mini-Review

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by partially irreversible chronic airflow limitation. Current literature highlights that COPD patients also have an increased risk to develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. Chronic patients with cognitive impairment experience a worsening of health-related quality of life, mainly because it could affect treatment self-management, medication adherence and personal independence. Moreover, they also report high levels of anxiety and depression, which are associated with disease severity, poor quality of life, poor adherence to rehabilitation programs and difficulties in self-management. In current literature, there is a lack of studies describing simultaneously the associations between cognitive impairment, dysfunctional psychosocial factors, self-management abilities and their impact on pharmacological/non-pharmacological adherence. Therefore, the aim of the present short review is to describe the implications of cognitive impairment and psychosocial factors for clinical practice and disease management in COPD patients. Due to the interaction of these factors on adherence to rehabilitation programs, self-management and rehabilitation completion, future research should investigate simultaneously the role of all these different aspects to individuate a specific clinical approach that might include specific screening tools to evaluate cognitive impairment and psychosocial difficulties. A timely specific evaluation, within an interdisciplinary approach, could help to implement a more individualized and personalized treatment.

Valproate, sexual health, and men: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

This article explores current evidence about the effects of valproate (VPA) medicines on sexual health in men, how to monitor symptoms, communicate with patients, and improve clinical outcomes. There has been a lot of focus on VPA use in women of childbearing age following recent changes to prescribing regulations owing to the well-established and significant teratogenic risk. Concerns have been raised by patients and clinicians as to the risk of adverse sexual effects of VPA use in men.

RESULTS

The evidence base for the effect of VPA on sexual function compared with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in men is limited with no randomized controlled trials. Sexual function in men with epilepsy is complex, and there is no direct relationship between objective measures of sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Epilepsy, comorbidities, psychosocial factors, and most AEDs including VPA may cause sexual dysfunction in men, including reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and fertility problems. Sexual and reproductive function should be discussed with men prior to treatment with AEDs including VPA.

CONCLUSION

Early and proactive discussion of sexual and reproductive functioning mitigates, rather than increases, the risk of sexual problems and potentially improves adherence. Sexual dysfunction in men with cognitive impairment [such as intellectual disability (ID) and dementia] may present with behavioral disturbance. Identification of sexual adverse effects of medication could significantly change treatment plans which is of particular importance for individuals with treatment resistance. We provide an information fact sheet for men to help guide prescribing discussions.

Engagement with advice to reduce cardiovascular risk following a health check programme: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The success of a cardiovascular health check programme depends not only on the identification of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but also on reducing CVD risk. We examined factors that might influence engagement and adherence to lifestyle change interventions and medication amongst people recently assessed at medium or high risk of CVD (>10% in the next 10 years).

METHOD

Qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the Framework method.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants (12 men, 10 women) were included in the study. Four broad themes are described: (a) the meaning of 'risk', (b) experiences with medication, (c) attempts at lifestyle change, and (d) perceived enablers to longer-term change. The experience of having a health check was mostly positive and reassuring. Although participants may not have understood precisely what their CVD risk meant, many reported efforts to make lifestyle changes and take medications to reduce their risk. Individual's experience with medications was influenced by family, friends and the media. Lifestyle change services and family and friends support facilitated longer-term behaviour change.

CONCLUSIONS

People generally appear to respond positively to having a CVD health check and report being motivated towards behaviour change. Some individuals at higher risk may need clearer information about the health check and the implications of being at risk of CVD. Concerns over medication use may need to be addressed in order to improve adherence. Strategies are required to facilitate engagement and promote longer-term maintenance with lifestyle changes amongst high-risk individuals.

Use of Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Headache After Traumatic Brain Injury: Lessons Learned From a Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

The primary outcome of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of preventive treatment with amitriptyline on headache frequency and severity after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that headache is the most common and persistent physical symptom after TBI, there has been little research on the longitudinal course or pharmacologic treatment of this disorder. Of those who have headache after injury, about 60% continue to complain of headache at 3 months post injury, with higher levels of disability than those without headache. There have been no prospective, randomized, controlled trials of a pharmacologic agent for headache after TBI. Additionally, a brain-injured population may be more susceptible to side effects of medication.

DESIGN

This is a single-center phase II trial of amitriptyline to prevent persistent headache after an mTBI. Medication dose was gradually increased from 10 to 50 mg daily.

RESULTS

Fifty participants were enrolled and 33 who completed the 90-day assessment were included in the final analysis. In order to detect a possible cognitive impact of the study drug, 24 participants were randomly assigned to start amitriptyline immediately after study enrollment and 26 were assigned to start 30 days after enrollment. Forty-nine percent (18/37) of those assigned to take medication took none throughout the study period, with less compliance in younger participants with mean ages of 32.7 in those who did not take any medication, 33.4 who were less than 80% compliant, and 42.3 who were compliant (P = .013). Compliance in keeping a daily headache diary was low, with 29/50 participants (58%) meeting daily entry completion, and only 10 participants maintaining 100% diary completion. No differences were found between those who started medication immediately vs at day 30 in headache frequency or severity.

CONCLUSIONS

While headache is the most common symptom following mTBI, current evidence does not support a specific treatment. No differences were noted in headache frequency compared to our prior study. However, the current sample had significantly lower headache severity (15% vs 36% with pain rating of 6 or above, P = .015) compared to our prior study. Our current study was not able to determine whether there is any benefit for the use of amitriptyline as a headache preventive because of difficulty with study recruitment and compliance. The challenges with recruitment and retention in the mTBI population were instructive, and future research in this area will need to identify strategies to improve recruitment, diary compliance, and medication adherence in this population.

Determinants of Medication Adherence for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients During Continuation Phase in Dalian, Northeast China

PURPOSE

Medication adherence is crucial for decreasing the burden of tuberculosis, but few relevant studies have been conducted in northeast China. This study aimed to explore the level of medication adherence among pulmonary tuberculosis outpatients and the predictive factors based on the bio-psycho-social medical model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional multi-center survey was conducted in four tuberculosis medical institutions in Dalian, northeast China. Medication adherence was measured using the eight-item Chinese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, which divides adherence into three levels. The independent variables consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, treatment factors, knowledge about TB, mental health, and behavioral characteristics. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were applied to analyze the data using Stata/MP 14.0.

RESULTS

Among the 564 eligible participants, 236 (41.84%) and 183 (32.45%) exhibited high and medium medication adherence, respectively, but 145 (25.71%) exhibited low medication adherence. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression showed that patients who were older (OR: 1.02, p=0.013) were employed (OR: 1.61, p=0.011), had better tuberculosis knowledge (OR: 1.34, p<0.001), and did not consume alcohol (OR: 1.84, p=0.032) exhibited higher medication adherence. However, patients who did not follow their doctors' advice to take adjuvant drugs (OR: 0.44, p=0.001), had a history of TB treatment (OR: 1.76, p=0.009), experienced adverse drug reactions (OR: 0.65, p=0.017), experienced stigma (OR: 0.67, p=0.032), and needed supervised treatment (OR: 0.66, p=0.012) exhibited lower medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis patients' medication adherence was not very high and it was influenced by diverse and complex factors involving sociodemographic characteristics, treatment factors, knowledge about TB, mental health, and behavioral characteristics.

How to Implement Adherence-Promoting Programs in Clinical Practice? A Discrete Choice Experiment on Physicians' Preferences

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to examine physicians' preferences regarding adherence-promoting programs (APPs), and to investigate which APP characteristics influence the willingness of physicians to implement these in daily practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was conducted among general practitioners, cardiologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists in Germany. The design considered five attributes with two or three attribute levels each: validation status of the APP; possibility for physicians to receive a certificate; type of intervention; time commitment per patient and quarter of the year to carry out the APP; reimbursement for APP participation, per included patient and quarter of the year.A multinomial logit model was run to estimate physicians' utility for each attribute and to evaluate the influence of different levels on the probability of choosing a specific APP. The relative importance of the attributes was compared between different pre-defined subgroups.

RESULTS

In total, 222 physicians were included in the analysis. The most important characteristics of APPs were time commitment to carry out the program (34.8% importance), reimbursement (33.3%), and validation status of the program (23.7%). The remaining attributes (type of intervention: 3.6%; possibility to receive a certificate: 4.7%) were proven to be less important for a physician's decision to participate in an APP. Physicians on average preferred APP alternatives characterized by little time commitment (β=1.456, p<0.001), high reimbursement for work (β=1.392, p<0.001), "positive validation status" (β=0.990, p<0.001), the "possibility to get a certificate" (β=0.197, p<0.001), and the provision of "tools for both physicians and patients" (β=0.150, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

For the majority of the physicians participating in this survey, the willingness to implement an APP is determined by the associated time commitment and reimbursement. Considering physicians' preferences regarding different APP features in the promoting process of these programs may enhance physicians' participation and engagement.

Perceived Illness and Treatment Adherence to Hypertension Among Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension (HTN) is a silent killer, accountable for life-threatening complications. An individual's illness perception may affect adherence to treatment which is crucial to prevent complications of HTN. The objective of this study was to identify illness perception and treatment adherence among patients with HTN in a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

METHODS

Descriptive correlational study was conducted in the out-patient department of Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Kathmandu Nepal. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. A face-to-face interview was conducted from September to December 2018, using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic variables, illness perception questionnaire (revised) and Hill bone compliance to high blood pressure therapy scale. Data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test, Spearman rank correlation).

RESULTS

Among 204 participants, 51% were male, 77% were literate, mean ± S.D. age was 60±12. About 72% experienced headache and 88% said that headache is related to HTN. Behavioural factors and psychological factors were regarded as the leading cause of HTN. Almost 63% participants believed HTN as highly threatening illness. Higher scores in timeline (acute/chronic), personal control, and treatment control revealed that patients believed HTN as a chronic disease with a higher rate of personal and treatment control. Regarding treatment adherence, the mean score was 16.58 (SD = 2.08), and only 14.7% had perfect adherence. Participants were more adherent to medication and appointment keeping rather than reduce salt intake. Duration of HTN diagnosis (p=0.027) and duration under HTN medication (p= 0.021) were found to be significantly associated with treatment adherence. There was a significant positive correlation between illness perception and treatment adherence (ρ = 0.282, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Illness perception and treatment adherence are correlated. Hence, it is beneficial to improve illness perception to achieve perfect treatment adherence. Reinforcement is essential to maintain adherence to both medications and behaviour therapy.

Assessing mobile health feasibility and acceptability among HIV-infected cocaine users and their healthcare providers: guidance for implementing an intervention

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) can provide innovative, cost-effective strategies to improve medication adherence and optimize HIV treatment outcomes. Very little, however, is known about the acceptability and feasibility of mHealth among people with HIV (PWH) who use drugs. Our study objective was to assess feasibility, acceptability, and barriers and facilitators of implementing an mHealth intervention among PWH who are cocaine users, a group for whom no pharmacological treatment to reduce cocaine use is available.

METHODS

Five focus groups (FGs) (N=20) were conducted with PWH who self-reported cocaine use in the past 30 days, with 3 groups (N=8) of healthcare providers. Topics included previous experience with smartphones; barriers and facilitators of mobile technology for health purposes; and attitudes toward receiving types of feedback about adherence.

RESULTS

Patients preferred text reminders over phone calls for reasons of privacy, accessibility and economizing phone minutes. Direct communication via text messages and phone calls was considered more appropriate for social workers and case managers, who have greater frequency of communication and deeper relationships with patients, and less so for doctors, who see patients less regularly than community health workers. Patients seem particular about who has what information, and overall, they seem to prefer that their medical information, especially HIV-related, stay within the confines of patient-provider relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV still provokes stigma and makes health information particularly sensitive for both providers and patients. The rise of mobile technology and related applications such as mHealth, means that new norms have to be established for its use. Participants' suggestions and feedback informed the design of a subsequent mHealth pilot randomized control trial to improve medication adherence.

The Patient's Role in Patient Safety

Keeping patients safe while they receive medical care is essential. Yet current systems designed to ensure patient safety are not enough, because medical error is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Clinicians can partner with the patient to enhance patient safety. Pulse Center for Patient Safety proposes patient- and family-driven processes designed to improve a patient's chances of avoiding harm. This article discusses highlights of the role of patient safety through a grassroots lens, summarizes the factors that influence the patient's role in patient safety and reviews recommendations on how clinicians can partner with patients.

Adherence to lifestyle changes after coronary artery bypass graft: Outcome of preoperative peer education

OBJECTIVE

This study was done to investigate the effect of preoperative peer education on patients' adherence to medication and lifestyle changes after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, the peers of CABG patients conducted preoperative educational sessions at the ward in groups of 4-5 (n = 36) while the control group (n = 34) received routine education by a nurse. Adherence of both groups to medication and recommendations for lifestyle modification including physical activity, smoking, and diet was measured one and two months after discharge.

RESULTS

A multivariate analysis of co-variance showed the significant effect of peer education on adherence (F = 32.586, p < 0.001; η² = 0.671). Univariate ANCOVA revealed a significant difference in adherence to diet between the two groups (F = 62.316, p = 0 0.0001; η² = 0.482). Based on the repeated measures ANOVA, peer education significantly improved the CABG patients' adherence to diet (F = 55.373, p = 0.0001) and their total adherence (F = 9.911, p = 0.002) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative peer education had a significant effect on improving CABG patients' adherence to lifestyle changes after hospital discharge.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Peer education can be used as an effective method to improve the CABG patients ' adherence to lifestyle changes.

The effects of medication adherence on study outcomes in randomized clinical trials: A role for cognitive dysfunction?

Medication nonadherence is common and has been associated with poor health outcomes. Older adults are especially likely to be non-adherent to their medications, as they often have more medications to manage and are at greater risk for cognitive dysfunction. Though less frequently examined, the association between cognitive dysfunction and nonadherence also likely extends to clinical trials research. The current study used archival data to examine the potential impact of cognitive dysfunction on adherence to a nutritional supplement as part of a 90-day randomized clinical trial in neurologically healthy middle-aged and older adults. Results showed overall cognitive performance was predictive of adherence to capsule intake when controlling for polypharmacy [F(1,157) = 6.53, p < .01]. These results suggest that cognitive dysfunction may impact findings from RCTs through its adverse impact on adherence to study protocol, possibly leading to greater treatment variance, artificially reduced treatment effects, lower study power, and distorted study outcomes and conclusions. A better understanding of methodological and statistical approaches to account for these unwanted effects are needed.

Capacity and confidence building for general practitioners on optimum insulin use

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by a progressive decline in insulin secretion, and sooner or later patients require insulin therapy. However, physicians are reluctant to initiate insulin therapy because of perceived inadequacy in managing insulin therapy, cost and lack of benefits. Experts from across the country met at a workshop during 12th National Insulin Summit which was held in September at Hyderabad and came up with key recommendations to build capacity and confidence in general practitioners for insulin usage. Barriers can be overcome through self-education and training; effective patient education; imparting coping skill training to patients; and bridging gaps to improve adherence. Moreover, optimum insulinization requires knowledge about the available options for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy; various insulin regimens; dosing and titration; and choosing effective and simple insulin therapy as per patient characteristics. Hence, the objective of this review article is to help build capacity and confidence among general practitioners on optimising insulin therapy.

Effectiveness of pharmaceutical care for drug treatment adherence in women with lupus nephritis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

Studies have been conducted to determine the causal factors and clinical consequences of non-adherence to treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, no interventions have been performed to increase drug adherence. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care (PC) for drug treatment adherence in lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial (pragmatic trial) in patients with LN in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, allocated in two groups: an intervention group (Dader Method for PC) and a control group (institution's usual care). Drug treatment adherence was measured by the combination of five questions normally used in clinical practice.

Results

A total of 131 patients were randomized, and 122 completed the study, with a mean follow-up of 12.7 months and use of six drugs per day and 10–12 doses per day. Low adherence was observed at baseline (intervention group: 30%; control group: 29%). PC showed 27% effectiveness (95% confidence interval (CI) –6% to 50%) in the intention to treat analysis and 31% (95% CI 0–52%) in per protocol analysis, considering all drugs. As for adherence to specific drugs for SLE, effectiveness of PC was 64% (95% CI 34–80%) with intention-to-treat analysis and 62% (95% CI 32–79%) in per protocol analysis.

Conclusions

PC was effective for increasing drug treatment adherence in SLE. The detailed account provided by the Dader Method of the difficulties with patients' drug therapy proved invaluable to approach non-adherence.

Determinants of intentions to monitor antihypertensive medication adherence in Irish community pharmacy: a factorial survey

Background

Community pharmacy represents an important setting to identify patients who may benefit from an adherence intervention, however it remains unclear whether it would be feasible to monitor antihypertensive adherence within the workflow of community pharmacy. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to monitoring antihypertensive medication adherence of older adults at the point of repeat dispensing.

Methods

We undertook a factorial survey of Irish community pharmacists, guided by a conceptual model adapted from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Respondents completed four sections, 1) five factorial vignettes (clinical scenario of repeat dispensing), 2) a medication monitoring attitude measure, 3) subjective norms and self-efficacy questions, and 4) demographic and workplace questions. Barriers and facilitators to adherence monitoring behaviour were identified in factorial vignette analysis using multivariate multilevel linear modelling, testing the effect of both contextual factors embedded within the vignettes (section 1), and respondent-level factors (sections 2–4) on likelihood to perform three adherence monitoring behaviours in response to the vignettes.

Results

Survey invites (n = 1543) were sent via email and 258 completed online survey responses were received; two-thirds of respondents were women, and one-third were qualified pharmacists for at least 15 years. In factorial vignette analysis, pharmacists were more inclined to monitor antihypertensive medication adherence by examining refill-patterns from pharmacy records than asking patients questions about their adherence or medication beliefs. Pharmacists with more positive attitudes towards medication monitoring and normative beliefs that other pharmacists monitored adherence, were more likely to monitor adherence. Contextual factors also influenced pharmacists’ likelihood to perform the three adherence monitoring behaviours, including time-pressures and the number of days late the patient collected their repeat prescription. Pharmacists’ normative beliefs and the number of days late the patient collected their repeat prescription had the largest quantitative influence on responses.

Conclusions

This survey identified that positive pharmacist attitudes and normative beliefs can facilitate adherence monitoring within the current workflow; however contextual time-barriers may prevent adherence monitoring. Future research should consider these findings when designing a pharmacist-led adherence intervention to be integrated within current pharmacy workflow.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-019-1016-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Behavioral economic insights to improve medication adherence in adults with chronic conditions: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to map the evidence on the use of behavioral economic insights to improve medication adherence in adults with chronic conditions.

INTRODUCTION

Medication non-adherence is a barrier to effectively managing chronic conditions, leading to poorer patient outcomes and placing an additional financial burden on healthcare systems. As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic disease increases, new ways to influence patient behavior are needed. Approaches that use insights from behavioral economics may help improve medication adherence, thus reducing morbidity, mortality and financial costs of unmanaged chronic diseases.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Eligible studies will include adults taking medication for a chronic condition. All interventions relevant to high-income settings using insights from behavioral economics to improve medication adherence in adults will be considered. Contexts may include, but are not limited to, primary health care, corporate wellness programs and health insurance schemes. Any study design published in English will be considered. Studies in facilities where medication is administered to patients will be excluded.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, EconLit and CINAHL will be searched from database inception to present. Gray literature will be searched using Google Scholar, OpenGrey and the Grey Literature Report. One reviewer will review titles, and then two reviewers will independently review abstracts to identify eligible studies. One reviewer will extract data on study characteristics, study design and study outcomes. A second reviewer will validate 25% of the extracted information. The results of the data extraction will be presented in a table, and a narrative summary will be presented.

Multi-target-directed-ligands acting as enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands

In this review, we present the latest advances in the field of multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) design for the treatment of various complex pathologies of multifactorial origin. In particular, latest findings in the field of MTDL design targeting both an enzyme and a receptor are presented for different diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression, addiction, glaucoma, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and pain and inflammation. The ethology of the diseases is briefly described, with special emphasis on how the MTDL can evolve into novel therapies that replace the classic pharmacological dogma "one target one disease". Considering the current needs for therapy adherence improvement, it is exposed as from the medicinal chemistry, different molecular scaffolds are studied. With the use of structure activity relationship studies and molecular optimization, new hybrid molecules are generated with improved biological properties acting at two biologically very distinct targets.

Use of nonselective β blockers after variceal eradication in cirrhotic patients undergoing secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding: a critical review of current evidence

Nonselective β blockers (NSBBs) combined with esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) are recommended for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in cirrhotic patients according to the current practice guidelines and consensus. However, until now, there is a paucity of recommendations regarding the use of NSBBs in cirrhotic patients who achieved variceal eradication. In this review paper, we firstly introduced a case who achieved variceal eradication after additional use of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB and then did not require further endoscopic therapy during repeated endoscopic surveillance, and subsequently discuss the importance of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB, the effect of NSBBs after variceal eradication, adherence to NSBBs, screening for variceal recurrence, and timing of endoscopic surveillance after variceal eradication.

Antipsychotic utilization patterns among patients with schizophrenic disorder: a cross-national analysis in four countries

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to describe antipsychotic utilization patterns among patients with schizophrenic disorder in Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients aged 15 and over with schizophrenic disorder were identified in the Caserta claims database (Italy), the Valencia electronic medical record (EMR) database (Spain), in The Health Improvement Network EMR database (UK), and in databases of publicly and privately insured populations in the United States (US).

RESULTS

The frequency of first-generation or second-generation antipsychotic use and of long-acting or other formulations was described. Persistence to antipsychotics was estimated. Overall, 1,403,240 patients with schizophrenic disorder having a total of 765,573 new antipsychotic treatment episodes were identified. The median follow-up time ranged from 0.8 (IQR 0.2-1.9) years in the US commercially-insured population to 1.2 (IQR 0.1-1.7) years in the Spanish population. Second-generation antipsychotics were more frequently used than first-generation antipsychotics in all countries (on average, from 64.4% in the UK to 87% in US): the use of this class increased over time in Italy, Spain, and US (Medicaid). The use of long-acting formulations was heterogeneous across countries, but generally much lower than other formulations. Persistence to antipsychotic treatment at 1 year was low in all countries, ranging from 40 in Spain to 30% in Italy.

CONCLUSIONS

Antipsychotic utilization was heterogeneous among persons with schizophrenic disorder. Nevertheless, low persistence was an issue in all the countries, as less than half of the patients continued their treatment beyond 1 year.

Sex Differences in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Primary Health Care: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sex differences exist in the assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores/risk factors in primary health care.

DESIGN/METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched on 31 January 2017. Clinical trials and observational studies were included if they reported on the assessment of CVD risk score, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol or smoking status in primary health care, stratified by sex. Meta-analyses were performed, using random effects models, to determine differences between sexes, separately for adjusted and unadjusted data.

RESULTS

Of 14,928 studies found in the search, 22 studies (including 4,754,782 patients) were included in the systematic review with the meta-analysis for quantitative assessment. Overall, the assessment rates of CVD risk score and risk factors were similar in women and men (CVD risk score: 30.7% vs. 35.2% [difference (95% CI): -4.5 (-5.1, -3.9)]; BP: 91.3% vs. 88.5% [2.8 (2.5, 3.0)]; cholesterol: 69.9% vs. 71.0% [-1.1 (-1.5, -0.8)]; and smoking: 85.9% vs. 86.7% [-0.8 (-1.1, -0.5)]). The pooled, adjusted likelihood of having the risk score, BP and cholesterol assessments were comparable between women and men: OR (95% CI): 0.87 (0.70, 1.07); 1.41 (0.89, 2.25); and 1.15 (0.82, 1.60), respectively. However, women were 32% less likely to be assessed for smoking (0.68 [0.47, 1.00]). There was substantial heterogeneity between studies and the risk of publication bias was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Despite the guideline recommendations, assessment of CVD risk score in primary health care was low in both sexes. Further, women were less likely to be assessed for their smoking status than men, whereas no sex discrepancies were found for BP and cholesterol assessments.

An innovative and comprehensive technique to evaluate different measures of medication adherence: The network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Poor medication adherence is associated with adverse health outcomes and higher costs of care. However, inconsistencies in the assessment of adherence are found in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different measures of adherence in the comparative effectiveness of complex interventions to enhance patients' adherence to prescribed medications.

METHODS

A systematic review with network meta-analysis was performed. Electronic searches for relevant pairwise meta-analysis including trials of interventions that aimed to improve medication adherence were performed in PubMed. Data extraction was conducted with eligible trials evaluating short-period adherence follow-up (until 3 months) using any measure of adherence: self-report, pill count, or MEMS (medication event monitoring system). To standardize the results obtained with these different measures, an overall composite measure and an objective composite measure were also calculated. Network meta-analyses for each measure of adherence were built. Rank order and surface under the cumulative ranking curve analyses (SUCRA) were performed.

RESULTS

Ninety-one trials were included in the network meta-analyses. The five network meta-analyses demonstrated robustness and reliability. Results obtained for all measures of adherence were similar across them and to both composite measures. For both composite measures, interventions comprising economic + technical components were the best option (90% of probability in SUCRA analysis) with statistical superiority against almost all other interventions and against standard care (odds ratio with 95% credibility interval ranging from 0.09 to 0.25 [0.02, 0.98]).

CONCLUSION

The use of network meta-analysis was reliable to compare different measures of adherence of complex interventions in short-periods follow-up. Analyses with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these results. Different measures of adherence produced similar results. The use of composite measures revealed reliable alternatives to establish a broader and more detailed picture of adherence.

How I manage anticoagulant therapy in older individuals with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism

Anticoagulant therapy is the most effective strategy to prevent arterial and venous thromboembolism, but treating older individuals is challenging, because increasing age, comorbidities, and polypharmacy increase the risk of both thrombosis and bleeding. Warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are underused and often underdosed in the prevention of stroke in older patients with atrial fibrillation because of concerns about the risk of bleeding. Poor adherence to anticoagulant therapy is also an issue for older patients with atrial fibrillation and those at risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism. In this review, we present 5 clinical cases to illustrate common challenges with anticoagulant use in older patients and discuss our approach to institute safe and effective antithrombotic therapy.

Temporal effectiveness of interventions to improve medication adherence: A network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Adherence-enhancing interventions have been assessed in the literature, however heterogeneity and conflicting findings have prohibited a consensus on the most effective approach to maintain adherence over time. With the ageing population and growth of chronic conditions, evaluation of sustainable strategies to improve and maintain medication adherence long term is paramount. We aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness of interventions for improving medication adherence over time among adults with any clinical condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Meta-analyses evaluating interventions to improve medication adherence were searched in PubMed in January 2019 and reviewed for primary studies. Experimental studies with a comparison group assessing an intervention to enhance medication adherence in adult patients with reported adherence outcomes were included. Two authors extracted data for study characteristics, interventions and adherence outcomes. Interventions were categorized into four groups or combinations: educational, attitudinal, technical and rewards. Four network meta-analyses were performed to compare interventions based on patient follow-up time. Medication adherence effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% credibility interval (CrI) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to allow ranking probabilities. Risk of bias was assessed as per Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Data was obtained from 69 meta-analyses with 468 primary studies being included in qualitative synthesis. The four networks compromised of 249 studies in total (0-3 month follow-up: 99 studies, 4-6 months: 104, 7-9 months: 18, ≥10 months: 94). Interventions showing success in follow-ups of less than 10 months varied across time. Significant effects compared to standard of care (SOC) were found in technical (4-6 months: OR 0.34, 95% CrI 0.25-0.45) and attitudinal interventions (7-9 months: 0.37, 0.17-0.84). Multicomponent interventions demonstrated effectiveness compared to standard of care with an additive effect displayed, particularly in longer follow-ups (educational + attitudinal + technical interventions ≥10 months: OR 0.49, 95% CrI 0.27-0.88).

DISCUSSION

All interventions reviewed improved medication adherence compared to standard of care. Multicomponent interventions displayed the most promising results in maintenance of long-term medication adherence. Technical and reward components enhanced adherence on a short-term basis, while educational and attitudinal interventions evolved over time to be more effective in follow-ups greater than 7 months. Sustainability of adherence to medications over time is dependent upon multicomponent interventions including educational, attitudinal and technical aspects to modify and enhance patient medication-taking behavior. Future research should focus on the most cost-effective approaches able to be integrated into routine practice.

Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Background

Polypharmacy is common in people with intellectual disabilities. Using multiple medication may lead to unintended medication‐related problems (MRPs). Medication review may serve as a tool to reduce MRPs. This systematic review assessed the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Literature databases were searched up to August 2017. Studies were selected that included the effect of medication reviews on identifying and/or reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities with no restriction of type of medication, age and level of intellectual disabilities.

Results

The eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria report that systematic medication reviews appear to assist in the identification and reduction of MRPs.

Conclusion

There is a lack of studies about the effect of medication reviews on identification and reduction of MRPs, especially health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed.

Adherence to long-term prophylactic treatment: microeconomic analysis of patients' behavior and the impact of financial incentives

The effectiveness of medical therapies depends crucially on patients' adherence. To gain deeper insight into the behavioral mechanisms underlying adherence, we present a microeconomic model of the decision-making process of an individual who is initially in an asymptomatic clinical state and to whom a prophylactic therapy is offered with the aim of preventing damage to health in the future. The focus of modeling is the optimization of an intertemporal utility function, where time-inconsistent preferences are incorporated by a quasi-hyperbolic discount function. The predictions of the model concur with experience in clinical practice. Moreover, the introduction of time-inconsistency reveals a self-control problem of the individuals where resolutions made before may be given up at a later time. A more pronounced present bias leads to a decrease in adherence and, consequently, the gain in societal welfare resulting from the prophylactic therapy declines. Developing effective strategies to improve adherence is a major challenge in health care. As an example, the impact of financial incentives offered to the patients on adherence and welfare are investigated on the basis of the model. The results are consistent with empirical findings. The approach presented contributes to a better understanding of the complex interaction of the relevant determinants for adherence, particularly regarding the individuals' self-control problem.

Patients' experiences with multidose drug dispensing: a cross sectional study

Background Automated multidose drug dispensing is used to support patients with their medication management. Though multidose drug dispensing systems are frequently used, little is known about patients' experiences with multidose drug dispensing systems. Objective To explore patients' experiences with the initiation and use of multidose drug dispensing systems. Setting A survey was carried out with patients using multidose drug dispensing systems through three community pharmacies. Method A semi-structured interview protocol was designed based on existing literature and a pilot study. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures were (1) patients' experiences with initiating multidose drug dispensing systems and (2) patients' experienced advantages and disadvantages of multidose drug dispensing systems. Results The start of multidose drug dispensing was discussed with 76% of the patients (n = 62). Ninety percent of patients expressed the opinion that the multidose drug dispensing system supported them with their medication management. Sixty patients reported 110 advantages, which can be organized into the following categories: improved medication adherence and medication safety (59%); patient's convenience (40%); and other (1%). Sixty-nine percent of patients reported no disadvantages, 24% had problems opening the bags or outer packaging and 13% had problems with the legibility of the printed text on the bag. Conclusion In concordance with the Dutch guideline, patients are generally involved in the decision to initiate an multidose drug dispensing system. Patients are very satisfied using the system and report multiple advantages. Multidose drug dispensing systems may be further improved by simplifying the manual opening of the bags and improving the legibility of the text on the bags.

AGA Technical Review on the Management of Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis

Most patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have mild-to-moderate disease activity, with low risk of colectomy, and are managed by primary care physicians or gastroenterologists. Optimal management of these patients decreases the risk of relapse and proximal disease extension, and may prevent disease progression, complications, and need for immunosuppressive therapy. With several medications (eg, sulfasalazine, diazo-bonded 5-aminosalicylates [ASA], mesalamines, and corticosteroids, including budesonide) and complex dosing formulations, regimens, and routes, to treat a disease with variable anatomic extent, there is considerable practice variability in the management of patients with mild-moderate UC. Hence, the American Gastroenterological Association prioritized clinical guidelines on this topic. To inform clinical guidelines, this technical review was developed in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework for interventional studies. Focused questions included the following: (1) comparative effectiveness and tolerability of different oral 5-ASA therapies (sulfalsalazine vs diazo-bonded 5-ASAs vs mesalamine; low- (<2 g) vs standard (2-3 g/d) vs high-dose (>3 g/d) mesalamine); (2) comparison of different dosing regimens (once-daily vs multiple times per day dosing) and routes (oral vs rectal vs both oral and rectal); (3) role of oral budesonide in patients mild-moderate UC; (4) comparative effectiveness and tolerability of rectal 5-ASA and corticosteroid formulations in patients with distal colitis; and (5) role of alternative therapies like probiotics, curcumin, and fecal microbiota transplantation in the management of mild-moderate UC.

Fixed Versus Free Combinations Of Antihypertensive Drugs: Analyses Of Real-World Data Of Persistence With Therapy In Italy

PURPOSE

To analyse the pattern of use and cost of antihypertensive drugs in new users in an Italian population, and explore the patient/treatment factors associated with the risk of therapy discontinuation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, information was collected from a population-based electronic primary-care database. Persistence with medication use 1 year from therapy initiation was evaluated for each user using the gap method. Each new user was classified according to his/her pattern of use as: "continuer", "discontinuer" "switching" or "add-on". A Cox regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing therapy discontinuation. Primary-care costs comprised specialists' visits, diagnostic procedures and pharmacologic therapies.

RESULTS

Among 14,999 subjects included in persistence analyses, 55.1% of cases initially started on monotherapy were classified as discontinuers vs 36.5% of cases taking combination therapy (42.3% vs 32.7%, respectively, for free and fixed combinations, P < 0.01). Old age, high cardiovascular risk and being in receipt of fixed-combination therapy were associated with greater persistence. Overall, the primary-care cost/person/year of hypertension management was ~€95.3 (IQR, 144.9). The monotherapy cost was €88 per patient (IQR, 132.9), and that for combination therapy was €151±148.3. The median cost/patient with a fixed combination was lower than that for a free combination (€98.4 (IQR, 155.3) and €154.9 (IQR, 182.6), respectively).

CONCLUSION

The initial type of therapy prescribed influences persistence. Prescribing fixed combinations might be a good choice as initial therapy.

Improving Patient Experience and Treatment Adherence in the Adult, Outpatient Hemodialysis Population

BACKGROUND

The commonly employed medication reconciliation process leaves room for mismanagement of medications in the complex end-stage renal disease patient population.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate a multidisciplinary education and feedback intervention designed to improve self-management for adults with end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

A pre-post, same subject repeated measures design was used to evaluate the intervention. Laboratory values, vital signs, interdialytic weight gains, dialysis attendance, and questionnaires were used to assess regimen adherence.

RESULTS

We observed improvements in patient outcomes including laboratory values, vital signs, and interdialytic weight gains. Significant improvements in process outcomes were also seen, including accuracy of medication lists, dialysis attendance, and use of remote pharmacy services.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive medication review, with concurrent pharmacist access, represents a time-effective approach to improved self-management and end-stage renal disease outcomes.

African American Older Adults' Perceived Use of Technology for Hypertension Self-Management

With the unprecedented growth of technology for disease prevention and management, little is known about the experience and adoption of such technology in African American older adults with hypertension. A 90-minute focus group session was used to explore African American older adults' (N = 21) experiences with using technology (mobile devices and applications) for hypertension self-management. Twenty participants reported owning smartphones and used this technology to communicate; seek, acquire, and share information; engage in entertainment; and organize and manage time. Participants expressed concerns about not being informed or trained sufficiently to integrate technology for hypertension self-management. There is a need to develop novel hypertension self-management interventions that integrate technology and training programs for this marginalized population that may help improve blood pressure control and address important clinical and public health priorities of uncontrolled hypertension. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(5):249-256.].