Temporal trends in adherence to cardiovascular medications in elderly patients after hospitalization for heart failure

Evidence-based medication adherence among seniors in the first year after heart failure hospitalisation and subsequent long-term outcomes: a restricted cubic spline analysis of adherence-outcome relationships

PURPOSE

Non-adherence to heart failure (HF) medications is associated with poor outcomes. We used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to assess the continuous relationship between adherence to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and β-blockers and long-term outcomes in senior HF patients.

METHODS

We identified a population-based cohort of 4234 patients, aged 65-84 years, 56% male, who were hospitalised for HF in Western Australia between 2003 and 2008 and survived to 1-year post-discharge (landmark date). Adherence was calculated using the proportion of days covered (PDC) in the first year post-discharge. RCS Cox proportional-hazards models were applied to determine the relationship between adherence and all-cause death and death/HF readmission at 1 and 3 years after the landmark date.

RESULTS

RCS analysis showed a curvilinear adherence-outcome relationship for both RASI and β-blockers which was linear above PDC 60%. For each 10% increase in RASI and β-blocker adherence above this level, the adjusted hazard ratio for 1-year all-cause death fell by an average of 6.6% and 4.8% respectively (trend p < 0.05) and risk of all-cause death/HF readmission fell by 5.4% and 5.8% respectively (trend p < 0.005). Linear reductions in adjusted risk for these outcomes at PDC ≥ 60% were also seen at 3 years after landmark date (all trend p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RCS analysis showed that for RASI and β-blockers, there was no upper adherence level (threshold) above 60% where risk reduction did not continue to occur. Therefore, interventions should maximise adherence to these disease-modifying HF pharmacotherapies to improve long-term outcomes after hospitalised HF.

Baroreflex activation therapy in advanced heart failure therapy: insights from a real-world scenario

AIMS

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is an innovative treatment option for advanced heart failure (HFrEF). We analysed patients' BAT acceptance and the outcome of BAT patients compared with HFrEF patients solely treated with a guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and studied effects of sacubitril/valsartan (ARNI).

METHODS

In this prospective study, 40 HFrEF patients (71 ± 3 years, 20% female) answered a questionnaire on the acceptance of BAT. Follow-up visits were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary efficacy endpoints included an improvement in QoL, NYHA class, LVEF, HF hospitalization, NT-proBNP levels, and 6MHWD.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (73%) showed interest in BAT. Ten patients (25%) opted for implantation. BAT and BAT + ARNI patients developed an increase in LVEF (BAT +10%, P-value (P) = 0.005*; BAT + ARNI +9%, P = 0.049*), an improved NYHA class (BAT -88%, P = 0.014*, BAT + ARNI -90%, P = 0.037*), QoL (BAT +21%, P = 0.020*, BAT + ARNI +22%, P = 0.012*), and reduced NT-proBNP levels (BAT -24%, P = 0.297, BAT + ARNI -37%, P = 0.297). BAT HF hospitalization rates were lower (50%) compared with control group patients (83%) (P = 0.020*).

CONCLUSIONS

Although BAT has generated considerable interest, acceptance appears to be ambivalent. BAT improves outcome with regard to LVEF, NYHA class, QoL, NT-proBNP levels, and HF hospitalization rates. BAT + ARNI resulted in more pronounced effects than ARNI alone.

Providers' mediating role for medication adherence among cancer survivors

Background

We conducted a mediation analysis of the provider team’s role in changes to chronic condition medication adherence among cancer survivors.

Methods

We used a retrospective, longitudinal cohort design following Medicare beneficiaries from 18-months before through 24-months following cancer diagnosis. We included beneficiaries aged ≥66 years newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer and using medication for non-insulin anti-diabetics, statins, and/or anti-hypertensives and similar individuals without cancer from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data, 2008–2014. Chronic condition medication adherence was defined as a proportion of days covered ≥ 80%. Provider team structure was measured using two factors capturing the number of providers seen and the historical amount of patient sharing among providers. Linear regressions relying on within-survivor variation were run separately for each cancer site, chronic condition, and follow-up period.

Results

The number of providers and patient sharing among providers increased after cancer diagnosis relative to the non-cancer control group. Changes in provider team complexity explained only small changes in medication adherence. Provider team effects were statistically insignificant in 13 of 17 analytic samples with significant changes in adherence. Statistically significant provider team effects were small in magnitude (<0.5 percentage points).

Conclusions

Increased complexity in the provider team associated with cancer diagnosis did not lead to meaningful reductions in medication adherence. Interventions aimed at improving chronic condition medication adherence should be targeted based on the type of cancer and chronic condition and focus on other provider, systemic, or patient factors.

Accurate Medication Adherence Measurement Using Administrative Data for Frequently Hospitalized Patients

Background: Pharmacy administrative claims data remain an accessible and efficient source to measure medication adherence for frequently hospitalized patient populations that are systematically excluded from the landmark drug trials. Published pharmacotherapy studies use medication possession ratio (MPR) and proportion of days covered (PDC) to calculate medication adherence and usually fail to incorporate hospitalization and prescription overlap/gap from claims data. To make the cacophony of adherence measures clearer, this study created a refined hospital-adjusted algorithm to capture pharmacotherapy adherence among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) registry of ESRD was used to determine prescription-filling patterns of those receiving new prescriptions for oral P2Y12 inhibitors (P2Y12-I) between 2011 and 2015. P2Y12-I-naïve patients were followed until death, kidney transplantation, discontinuing medications, or loss to follow-up. After flagging/censoring key variables, the algorithm adjusted for hospital length of stay (LOS) and medication overlap. Hospital-adjusted medication adherence (HA-PDC) was calculated and compared with traditional MPR and PDC methods. Analyses were performed with SAS software. Results: Hospitalization occurred for 78% of the cohort (N = 46 514). The median LOS was 12 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2-34) days. MPR and PDC were 61% (IQR = 29%-94%) and 59% (IQR = 31%-93%), respectively. After applying adjustments for overlapping coverage days and hospital stays independently, HA-PDC adherence values changed in 41% and 52.7% of the cohort, respectively. When adjustments for overlap and hospital stay were made concurrently, HA-PDC adherence values changed in 68% of the cohort by 5.8% (HA-PDC median = 0.68, IQR = 0.31-0.93). HA-PDC declined over time (3M-6M-9M-12M). Nearly 48% of the cohort had a ≥30 days refill gap in the first 3 months, and this increased over time (P < .0001). Conclusions: Refill gaps should be investigated carefully to capture accurate pharmacotherapy adherence. HA-PDC measures increased adherence substantially when adjustments for hospital stay and medication refill overlaps are made. Furthermore, if hospitalizations were ignored for medications that are included in Medicare quality measures, such as Medicare STAR program, the apparent reduction in adherence might be associated with lower quality and health plan reimbursement.

Long-Term Adherence to Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors and β-Blockers After Heart Failure Hospitalization in Senior Patients

AIMS

We investigated long-term adherence to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) and β-blockers, and associated predictors, in senior patients after hospitalization for heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A population-based data set identified 4488 patients who survived 60 days following their index hospitalization for HF in Western Australia from 2003 to 2008 with a 3-year follow-up. Their person-linked Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme records identified medications dispensed during follow-up. Drug discontinuation was defined as the first break ≥90 days following the previous supply. Medication adherence was calculated using the proportion of days covered (PDC), with PDC ≥ 80% defined as being adherent. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of PDC < 80%.

RESULTS

In the cohort (57% male, mean age: 76.6 years), 77.4% were dispensed a RASI and 52.7% a β-blocker within 60 days postdischarge. Over the 3-year follow-up, 28% and 42% of patients discontinued RASI and β-blockers, respectively. Only 64.6% and 47.5% of RASI and β-blocker users, respectively, were adherent to their treatment over 3 years, with adherence decreasing over time (trend P < .0001 for RASI and trend P = .02 for β-blockers). Older age, increasing Charlson comorbidity score, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors of PDC < 80% for both drug groups.

CONCLUSION

Among seniors hospitalized for HF, discontinuation gaps were common for RASI and β-blockers postdischarge, and long-term adherence to these medications was suboptimal. Where appropriate, strategies to improve long-term medication adherence are indicated in HF patients, particularly in elderly patients with comorbidities.

Trends in medication adherence in HIV patients in the US, 2001 to 2012: an observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality as well as the risk of virological failure and HIV transmission. We determined the trends in ART adherence during the periods of therapeutic advances, wider use of ART and greater attention to ART adherence. To understand the general trends in medication adherence, we compared ART adherence with medications for other common chronic conditions.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using Medicaid claims between 2001 and 2012 from 14 US states with the highest HIV prevalence. Medicaid is the largest source of care for HIV patients in the US. We identified Medicaid beneficiaries with HIV who initiated ART between 2001 and 2010 (n=23,343). Comparison groups included (1) HIV- persons who initiated a statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB), or metformin and (2) HIV+ persons who initiated these control medications while on and not on ART. We estimated adjusted odds of >90% medication implementation during the two years following initiation.

RESULTS

The proportion of HIV+ persons with >90% ART implementation increased from 33.5% in those who initiated in 2001 to 46.4% in 2005 and 52.4% in 2010. ART initiators in 2007 to 2010 had 53% increased odds of >90% implementation compared to those in 2001 to 2003 (adjusted OR 1.53, 99% CI: 1.34 to 1.75). Older age, male, White race, newer ART regimens and absence of substance use indicators were also associated with increased odds of >90% ART implementation. No or minimal improvements were found in the implementation of control medications in HIV- persons. For HIV- persons, the adjusted ORs comparing 2007-2010 to 2001-2003 were 1.06, 1.01 and 1.19 for statins, ACEI/ARB, metformin respectively. HIV+ persons who were on ART had, on average, 15.0 (SD: 4.2) and 16.1 (SD: 3.4) percentage points higher >90% implementation rates of concurrent statins, ACEI/ARB or metformin compared to HIV- persons and HIV+ persons who were not on ART respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to ART substantially improved between 2001 and 2012. Nevertheless, the absolute rates of >90% implementation were low for all groups examined. Substantial disparities by age, sex and race were present, drawing attention to the need to continue to enhance medication adherence. Further studies are required to examine whether these trends and disparities persist in the most recent period.

Comparison of Different Strategies to Measure Medication Adherence via Claims Data in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Medication adherence correlates with morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), but is difficult to assess. We conducted a retrospective methodological cohort study in 3,808 CHF patients, calculating adherence as proportion of days covered (PDC) utilizing claims data from 2010 to 2015. We aimed to compare different parameters’ influence on the PDC of elderly CHF patients exemplifying a complex chronic disease. Investigated parameters were the assumed prescribed daily dose (PDD), stockpiling, and periods of hospital stay. Thereby, we investigated a new approach using the PDD assigned to different percentiles. The different dose assumptions had the biggest influence on the PDC, with variations from 41.9% to 83.7%. Stockpiling and hospital stays increased the values slightly. These results queries that a reliable PDC can be calculated with an assumed PDD. Hence, results based on an assumed PDD have to be interpreted carefully and should be presented with sensitivity analyses to show the PDC's possible range.

Drug therapy problems and contributing factors in the management of heart failure patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Drug therapy problem (DTP) is any unwanted incident related to medication therapy that actually or potentially affects the desired goals of treatment. Heart failure (HF) patients are more likely to experience DTP owing to multiple prescriptions and comorbidities. Despite the serious negative impact of DTP on treatment outcomes, there is a dearth of study on DTP among HF patients in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of DTP among ambulatory HF patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient after full explanation of the study. Data were collected through patient interview and expert review of medical, medication and laboratory records of one-year follow-up from May 2015 to April 2016. DTPs were identified using Cipolle's method followed by consensus review with experts. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors contributing to DTP. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analyses.

RESULT

Of 340 study participants; male to female ratio was equivalent, the mean (± SD = standard deviation) age was 50.5±15.6 years. Eight hundred eighty DTPs were identified equating 2.6 ±1.8 DTPs per patient. The frequently identified DTPs were dosage too low (27.8%), ineffective drug therapy (27.6%) and need additional drug therapy (27.4%). Most commonly implicated drugs were beta-blockers (34.4%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (24.8%), statins (16.5%) and antithrombotics (13.1%). Factors contributing to DTP were age >50 years (AOR [adjusted odd ratio] = 5.43, 95%CI [95% confidence interval] = 2.03-14.50); negative medication belief (AOR = 3.50, 95%CI = 1.22-10.05); poor involvement of patients in the therapeutic decision makings (AOR = 4.11, 95%CI = 1.91-8.88); number of co-morbidity≥2(AOR = 5.26, 95%CI = 2.38-11.65) and number of medications ≥5 (AOR = 3.68, 95%CI = 1.28-10.51).

CONCLUSION

DTPs are common among ambulatory care HF patients. Patients with older age, negative medication belief, polypharmacy, co-morbidities and those who were poorly involved in the therapeutic decision were more likely to experience DTP. Despite traditional prescription refilling, an integrated multidisciplinary approach involving patients and clinically trained pharmacists should be implemented in the patient care process at ambulatory care clinics in order to improve overall outcomes and reduce DTPs and associated burdens in HF patients.

Effectiveness of guideline-consistent heart failure drug prescriptions at hospital discharge on 1-year mortality: Results from the EPICAL2 cohort study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of recommended drug prescriptions at hospital discharge on 1-year mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used data from the EPICAL2 cohort study. HF patients ≥18years old with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% and alive at discharge were included and followed up for mortality. Socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected at admission. Therapeutic data were collected at discharge and at 6month. Prescription of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (or an angiotensin II receptor blocker [ARB] in case of ACE inhibitor intolerance) and a β-blocker at discharge were considered "guideline-consistent discharge prescription" (GCDP). A frailty Cox model after propensity score (PS) matching was used to assess the association of GCDP with survival.

RESULTS

Among 624 patients included, the mean (SD) age was 73.6 (12.8) years; 65% were male. A total of 412 (65.6%) patients received GCDP, and 82.8% still had guideline consistent prescription at 6months. A total of 166 patients died during the follow-up, 78 in the GCDP group and 88 in the other group. Before PS matching, patients with GCDP were younger (|StDiff|=48.32%) and had higher body mass index (BMI) (|StDiff|=11.71%), lower LVEF (|StDiff|=23.13%) and lower Charlson index (|StDiff|=55.27%) than patients without GCDP. After PS matching, all characteristics were balanced between the two treatment groups, and GCDP was associated with reduced mortality (pooled HR=0.51, 95% CI [0.35-0.73]).

CONCLUSION

Prescription of ACE (or ARB) inhibitors and β-blockers for patients with HFREF may be low despite the evidence for morbidity and mortality improvement with these medications but remains associated with reduced 1-year mortality in unselected HFREF patients.

Does the association between adherence to statin medications and mortality depend on measurement approach? A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mortality and statin adherence using two different approaches to adherence measurement (summary versus repeated-measures).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using administrative data from Saskatchewan, Canada between 1994 and 2008. Eligible individuals received a prescription for a statin following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Adherence was measured using proportion of days covered (PDC) expressed either as: 1) a fixed summary measure, or 2) as a repeatedly measured covariate. Multivariable Cox-proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between adherence and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 9,051 individuals, optimal adherence (≥80%) modeled with a fixed summary measure was not associated with mortality benefits (adjusted HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.09, p = 0.60). In contrast, repeated-measures approach resulted in a significant 25% reduction in the risk of death (adjusted HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.85, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike the summary measure, the repeated measures approach produces a significant reduction of all-cause mortality with optimal adherence. This effect may be a result of the repeated measures approach being more sensitive, or more prone to survival bias. Our findings clearly demonstrate the need to undertake (and report) multiple approaches when assessing the benefits of medication adherence.

Medication Adherence Based on Part D Claims for Patients With Heart Failure After Hospitalization (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study)

Medication nonadherence is a common precipitant of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and is associated with poor outcomes. Recent analyses of national data focus on long-term medication adherence. Little is known about adherence of patients with HF immediately after hospitalization. Hospitalized patients with HF were identified from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities data were linked to Medicare inpatient and part D claims from 2006 to 2009. Inclusion criteria were a chart-adjudicated diagnosis of acute decompensated or chronic HF; documentation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB), β blocker (BB), or diuretic prescription at discharge; and Medicare part D coverage. Proportion of ambulatory days covered was calculated for up to twelve 30-day periods after discharge. Adherence was defined as ≥80% proportion of ambulatory days covered. We identified 402 participants with Medicare part D: mean age 75, 30% men, and 41% black. Adherence at 1, 3, and 12 months was 70%, 61%, and 53% for ACEI/ARB; 76%, 66%, and 62% for BB; and 75%, 68%, and 59% for diuretic. Adherence to any single drug class was positively correlated with being adherent to other classes. Adherence varied by geographic site/race for ACEI/ARB and BB but not diuretics. In conclusion, despite having part D coverage, medication adherence after discharge for all 3 medication classes decreases over 2 to 4 months after discharge, followed by a plateau over the subsequent year. Interventions should focus on early and sustained adherence.

Influence of drug adherence and medical care on heart failure outcome in the primary care setting in Austria

PURPOSE

Guideline-recommended therapy has been proven beneficial in heart failure (HF), but general implementation remains poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to drug therapy, quality of primary non-drug medical care (NDMC) and its impact on HF outcome.

METHODS

From 13 Austrian health insurance funds, we identified 36 829 patients (77.1 ± 10.8 years, 44.8% men) hospitalised for HF who survived more than 90 days after discharge in the period between April 2006 and June 2010. Drug adherence was analysed from prescriptions filled and NDMC from numbers of physician consultations and diagnostic tests relevant for HF per quarter of a year (medical care index (MedCI)) claimed from the insurance funds. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the association of outcome (survival and death without further admission for HF, readmission for HF) with drug adherence and NDMC.

RESULTS

Readmission due to HF or death without prior readmission for HF occurred in 19.7% and 22.5%, respectively. Adherence to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists was 49.3%, 40.4% and 16.1%, respectively, and was associated with better survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis. NDMC was consumed less frequently by deceased (76.0%; MedCI 2.55 ± 3.04) than surviving (79.3%; 3.60 ± 3.81) or readmitted (78.4%; 3.80 ± 4.13) patients (p < 0.001 for deceased vs both other). Drug adherence and NDMC were independent factors associated with better survival by multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Guideline-recommended drug therapy remains underutilised in Austria. Drug adherence and quality of NDMC are associated with better outcome in HF patients.

Age-related medication adherence in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is prevalent among the elderly and is characterized by high mortality and hospitalization rates. Non-adherence to medications is frequent and related to poor clinical outcomes. It is often assumed that older age is related to poorer medication adherence compared with younger age. We analyzed the existing evidence of age as a determinant of medication adherence in patients with CHF.

METHODS

A systematic search of the bibliographic database MEDLINE and all Cochrane databases was performed. Studies were included if they examined medication adherence in adult patients with CHF, evaluated factors contributing to medication adherence, and analyzed the relationship between age and medication adherence. Articles classified as studies with poor quality were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 1565 titles were found, and ultimately, 17 studies, which provide data for a total of 162,727 patients, were analyzed. Seven studies showed a statistically significant relationship between age and medication adherence: six articles demonstrated that increased age is correlated with higher medication adherence, and one study showed that patients in the age range of 57 to 64 years are affected by non-adherence to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Ten studies found no significant relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that older age alone is not related to poorer medication adherence compared with younger patients with CHF. More attention should be paid to younger newly-diagnosed patients with CHF. Future studies are required to explore medication adherence in CHF in different, standardized, and specific age groups and should be sufficiently powered to assess clinical endpoints.

Factors associated with medication adherence among heart failure patients and their caregivers

BACKGROUND

Reducing the rate of rehospitalization among heart failure patients is a major public health challenge; medication non-adherence is a crucial factor shown to trigger rehospitalizations. Objective: To collect pilot data to inform the design of educational interventions targeted to heart failure patients and their caregivers to improve medication adherence.

METHODS

Heart failure patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and their family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient electrophysiology clinic at an urban university medical center (N = 10 caregiver and patient dyads, 70% race/ethnic minority, mean patient age = 63 years). Quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilized. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to assess patients' and caregivers' individual interest in, and access to, new medication adherence technologies. Patient adherence to medications, medication self-efficacy, and depression were assessed by validated questionnaires. Medication adherence and hospitalization rates were assessed among patients at 30-days post-clinic visit by mailed survey.

RESULTS

At baseline, 60% of patients reported sometimes forgetting to take their medications. The most common factors associated with non-adherence included forgetfulness (50%), having other medications to take (20%), and being symptom-free (20%). At 30-day follow-up, half of patients reported non-adherence to their medications, and 1 in 10 reported being hospitalized within the past month. Dyads reported widespread access to technology, with the majority of dyads showing interest in mobile applications and text messaging. There was less acceptance of medication-dispensing technologies; caregivers and patients were concerned about added burden.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of etiologies of medication non-adherence were subject to intervention. Enthusiasm from patients and caregivers in new technologies to aid in adherence was tempered by potential burden, and should be considered when designing interventions to promote adherence.

Cardiovascular medication utilization and adherence among heart failure patients in rural and urban areas: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rural residence is a negative prognostic factor for heart failure (HF). The objective was to explore rural and urban differences in the utilization, adherence, and persistence with medications, and mortality among incident HF patients.

METHODS

Using administrative databases from Alberta (Canada), subjects > 65 years old with a first hospitalization for HF between 1999 and 2008 who survived ≥ 90 days after discharge were identified. Pharmacy claims for renin-angiotensin system (RAS) agents, β-blockers (BBs), digoxin, or spironolactone were identified. The association between rural and urban residence and medication utilization, adherence (optimal adherence defined as ≥ 80% adherence over 1 year), persistence, and 1-year mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 10,430 patients, with a mean age of 80.2 (SD, 7.7) years, 47% were male, and 25% were rural residents. Rural residents were less likely to receive RAS agents (74% vs 79%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.89) or BBs (44% vs 54%; aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.93) than urban residents, but had similar use of other medications. Although < 69% of patients who received RAS agents and 53% who received BBs had optimal adherence, few differences in adherence or persistence were detected among patients in rural vs urban areas. The 1-year mortality rate was significantly lower for patients who demonstrated optimal adherence to RAS agents or BBs (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94) with no significant differences in the first 6 months between patients residing in rural vs urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural residents with HF were less likely to receive RAS agents or BBs, but few differences in adherence were noted compared with their urban counterparts. Suboptimal adherence with evidence-based HF therapy was associated with increased risk of mortality.

Proportion and risk indicators of nonadherence to antihypertensive therapy: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that poor adherence to treatment is the most important cause of uncontrolled high blood pressure, with approximately 75% of patients not achieving optimum blood pressure control. The WHO estimates that between 20% and 80% of patients receiving treatment for hypertension are adherent. As such, the first objective of our study was to quantify the proportion of nonadherence to antihypertensive therapy in real-world observational study settings. The second objective was to provide estimates of independent risk indicators associated with nonadherence to antihypertensive therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of all studies published between database inception and December 31, 2011 that reviewed adherence, and risk indicators associated with nonadherence, to antihypertensive medications.

RESULTS

In the end, 26 studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and passed our methodological quality evaluation. Of the 26 studies, 48.5% (95% confidence interval 47.7%-49.2%) of patients were adherent to antihypertensive medications at 1 year of follow-up. The associations between 114 variables and nonadherence to antihypertensive medications were reviewed. After meta-analysis, nine variables were associated with nonadherence to antihypertensive medications: diuretics in comparison to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), ACE inhibitors in comparison to ARBs, CCBs in comparison to ARBs, those with depression or using antidepressants, not having diabetes, lower income status, and minority cultural status.

CONCLUSION

This study clarifies the extent of adherence along with determining nine independent risk indicators associated with nonadherence to antihypertensive medications.

A trial of family partnership and education interventions in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Lowering dietary sodium and adhering to medication regimens are difficult for persons with heart failure (HF). Because these behaviors often occur within the family context, this study evaluated the effects of family education and partnership interventions on dietary sodium (Na) intake and medication adherence (MA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

HF patient and family member (FM) dyads (n = 117) were randomized to: usual care (UC), patient-FM education (PFE), or family partnership intervention (FPI). Dietary Na (3-day food record), urinary Na (24-hour urine), and MA (Medication Events Monitoring System) were measured at baseline (BL) before randomization, and at 4 and 8 months. FPI and PFE reduced urinary Na at 4 months, and FPI differed from UC at 8 months (P = .016). Dietary Na decreased from BL to 4 months, with both PFE (P = .04) and FPI (P = .018) lower than UC. The proportion of subjects adherent to Na intake (≤2,500 mg/d) was higher at 8 months in PFE and FPI than in UC (χ(2)(2) = 7.076; P = .029). MA did not differ among groups across time. Both FPI and PFE groups increased HF knowledge immediately after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary Na intake, but not MA, was improved by PFE and FPI compared with UC. The UC group was less likely to be adherent with dietary Na. Greater efforts to study and incorporate family-focused education and support interventions into HF care are warranted.

Heart failure in North America

Heart failure is a major health problem that affects patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Within the continent of North America, differences in economic development, genetic susceptibility, cultural practices, and trends in risk factors and treatment all contribute to both inter-continental and within-continent differences in heart failure. The United States and Canada represent industrialized countries with similar culture, geography, and advanced economies and infrastructure. During the epidemiologic transition from rural to industrial in countries such as the United States and Canada, nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases made way for degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, overweight/obesity, and diabetes. This in turn has resulted in an increase in heart failure incidence in these countries, especially as overall life expectancy increases. Mexico, on the other hand, has a less developed economy and infrastructure, and has a wide distribution in the level of urbanization as it becomes more industrialized. Mexico is under a period of epidemiologic transition and the etiology and incidence of heart failure is rapidly changing. Ethnic differences within the populations of the United States and Canada highlight the changing demographics of each country as well as potential disparities in heart failure care. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction makes up approximately half of all hospital admissions throughout North America; however, important differences in demographics and etiology exist between countries. Similarly, acute heart failure etiology, severity, and management differ between countries in North America. The overall economic burden of heart failure continues to be large and growing worldwide, with each country managing this burden differently. Understanding the inter-and within-continental differences may help improve understanding of the heart failure epidemic, and may aid healthcare systems in delivering better heart failure prevention and treatment.

Clinical outcomes associated with receipt of integrated pharmacy services by hemodialysis patients: a quality improvement report

BACKGROUND

Reducing medication-related problems and improving medication adherence in hemodialysis patients may improve clinical outcomes. In 2005, a large US dialysis organization created an integrated pharmacy program for its patients. We aimed to compare the outcomes of hemodialysis patients enrolled in this program and matched control patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Quality improvement report.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

Hemodialysis patients with concurrent Medicare and Medicaid eligibility who chose to receive program services and propensity score-matched controls; the propensity score was an estimated function of demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, medication exposure, serum concentrations, and vascular access method.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Program services included medication delivery, refill management, medication list reviews, telephonic medication therapy management, and prior authorization assistance.

OUTCOMES

Relative rates of death and hospitalization.

MEASUREMENTS

Survival estimates calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method; mortality hazards compared with Cox regression; hospitalization rates compared with Poisson regression.

RESULTS

In outcome models, there were 8,864 patients receiving integrated pharmacy services and 43,013 matched controls. In intention-to-treat and as-treated analyses, mortality HRs for patients receiving integrated pharmacy services versus matched controls were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.97) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.74-0.84), respectively. Corresponding relative rates of hospital admissions were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-1.01) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.96), respectively, and of hospital days, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.98) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.90), respectively. Cumulative incidences of disenrollment from the pharmacy program were 23.4% at 12 months and 37.0% at 24 months.

LIMITATIONS

Patients were not randomly assigned to receive integrated pharmacy services; as-treated analyses may be biased because of informative censoring by disenrollment from the pharmacy program; data regarding use of integrated pharmacy services were lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Receipt of integrated pharmacy services was associated with lower rates of death and hospitalization in hemodialysis patients with concurrent Medicare and Medicaid eligibility. Studies are needed to measure pharmacy program use and assess detailed clinical and economic outcomes.

Impact of the pharmaceutical sciences on health care: a reflection over the past 50 years

During the last century, particularly the latter half, spectacular progress has been made in improving the health and longevity of people. The reasons are many, but the development of medicines has played a critical role. This report documents and reflects on the impressive contribution that those working in the pharmaceutical sciences have made to healthcare over the past 50 years. It is divided into six sections (drug discovery; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug formulation; drug regulation; and drug utilization), each describing key contributions that have been made in the progression of medicines, from conception to use. A common thread throughout is the application of translational science to the improvement of drug discovery, development, and therapeutic application. Each section has been coordinated by a leading scientist who was asked, after consulting widely with many colleagues across the globe, to identify "The five most influential ideas/concepts/developments introduced by 'pharmaceutical scientists' (in their field) over the past 50 years?" Although one cannot predict where the important breakthroughs will come in the future to meet the unmet medical needs, the evidence presented in this report should leave no doubt that those engaged in the pharmaceutical sciences will continue to make their contributions heavily felt.

Long-term compliance with nonpharmacologic treatment of patients with heart failure

The aim of this study was to examine long-term compliance with nonpharmacologic treatment of patients with heart failure (HF) and its associated variables. Data from 648 hospitalized patients with HF (mean age 69 ± 12 years, 38% women, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 33 ± 14%) were analyzed. Compliance was assessed by means of self-report at baseline and 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after discharge. Patients completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms, HF knowledge, and physical functioning at baseline. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine independent associations with low long-term compliance. From baseline to 18-month follow-up, long-term compliance with diet and fluid restriction ranged from 77% to 91% and from 72% to 89%, respectively. In contrast, compliance with daily weighing (34% to 85%) and exercise (48% to 64%) was lower. Patients who were in New York Heart Association functional class II were more often noncompliant with fluid restriction (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 3.08). A lower level of knowledge on HF was independently associated with low compliance with fluid restriction (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.86) and daily weighing (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94). Educational support improved compliance with these recommendations. Female gender (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.90), left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.34), a history of stroke (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.54 to 8.16), and less physical functioning (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99) were associated with low compliance with exercise. In conclusion, long-term compliance with exercise and daily weighing was lower than long-term compliance with advice on diet and fluid restriction. Although knowledge on HF and being offered educational support positively affected compliance with weighing and fluid restriction, these variables were not related to compliance with exercise. Therefore, new approaches to help patients with HF stay physically active are needed.

Year in review: medication mishaps in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews articles from 2010 that examined medication mishaps (ie, medication errors and adverse drug events [ADEs]) in the elderly.

METHODS

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for English-language articles published in 2010 using a combination of search terms including medication errors, medication adherence, medication compliance, suboptimal prescribing, monitoring, adverse drug events, adverse drug withdrawal events, therapeutic failures, and aged. A manual search of the reference lists of the identified articles and the authors' article files, book chapters, and recent reviews was conducted to identify additional publications. Five studies of note were selected for annotation and critique. From the literature search, this paper also generated a selected bibliography of manuscripts published in 2010 (excluding those previously published in the American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy or by one of the authors) that address various types of medication errors and ADEs in the elderly.

RESULTS

Three studies focused on types of medication errors. One study examined underuse (due to prescribing) as a type of medication error. This before-and-after study from the Netherlands reported that those who received comprehensive geriatric assessments had a reduction in the rate of undertreatment of chronic conditions by over one third (from 32.9% to 22.3%, P < 0.05). A second study focused on reducing medication errors due to the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications. This quasi-experimental study found that a computerized provider order entry clinical decision support system decreased the number of potentially inappropriate medications ordered for patients ≥ 65 years of age who were hospitalized (11.56 before to 9.94 orders per day after, P < 0.001). The third medication error study was a cross-sectional phone survey of managed-care elders, which found that more blacks than whites had low antihypertensive medication adherence as per a self-reported measure (18.4% vs 12.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). Moreover, blacks used more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) than whites for the treatment of hypertension (30.5% vs 24.7%, respectively; P = 0.005). In multivariable analyses stratified by race, blacks who used CAM were more likely than those who did not to have low antihypertensive medication adherence (prevalence rate ratio = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.14-2.15; P = 0.006). The remaining two studies addressed some form of medication-related adverse patient events. A case-control study of Medicare Advantage patients revealed for the first time that the use of skeletal muscle relaxants was associated significantly with an increased fracture risk (adjusted odds ratio = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15-1.72; P < 0.001). This increased risk was even more pronounced with the concomitant use of benzodiazepines. Finally, a randomized controlled trial across 16 centers in France used a 1-week educational intervention about high-risk medications and ADEs directed at rehabilitation health care teams. Results indicated that the rate of ADEs in the intervention group was lower than that in the usual care group (22% vs 36%, respectively, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Information from these studies may advance health professionals' understanding of medication errors and ADEs and may help guide research and clinical practices in years to come.

Acute decompensated heart failure - treatments and challenges -

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health problem throughout the world and its importance is continuing to grow. This article reviews the epidemiology of ADHF and the profile of patients suffering from this condition. It describes factors used in assessing prognosis and presents treatment options. Although no currently available treatments have been shown to favorably affect long-term outcomes, there are a variety of strategies and approaches to management that are expected to reduce morbidity and mortality following discharge after ADHF hospitalization. In particular, the clinician is alerted to the need to identify factors that trigger decompensation as well as to optimize treatments for chronic heart failure. The importance of the transition from hospital to the outpatient setting is described. Particular attention should be focused on providing health education to the patient and their family at an appropriate level of medical literacy as well as ensuring early follow-up evaluation after hospital discharge.

Long-term persistence with the immunomodulatory drugs for multiple sclerosis: a retrospective database study

BACKGROUND

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been available in Canada since 1995 and are currently the most commonly prescribed treatment for MS. However, relatively little is known about the long-term persistence to these drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of, and factors associated with, long-term persistence to the first-line IMDs in an MS population in British Columbia, Canada.

METHODS

Study data were collected from the British Columbia MS database. Adults from British Columbia with definite MS who were prescribed a first-line IMD (interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a [subcutaneous and intramuscular], and glatiramer acetate) from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2008, were eligible for the study. Time to discontinuation of use of all first-line IMDs (ie, switching among IMD therapies was allowed) and the initially prescribed IMD was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1896 patients were included. Mean (SD) age was 40.2 (9.5) years, and 75.1% were female. Median time to discontinuation of all first-line IMD therapies was 6.3 years (95% CI, 5.8-6.7 years). Patients with a longer disease duration and higher level of disability were at higher risk for discontinuing use of the IMDs. Age, sex, and the initial IMD were not associated with discontinuation. Persistence appeared to have decreased over time (P = 0.01 for trend). Median time to discontinued use of, or switching from, the initially prescribed IMD was 2.9 years (95% CI, 2.5-3.2 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of the MS patients discontinued use of their IMD within 6 years. It is unknown whether this persistence is adequate because uncertainties remain regarding the optimal level of persistence to the IMDs. Further investigation is needed to examine why some individuals are more at risk for discontinuation of IMD therapy and why, in contrast to other chronic diseases, persistence to IMDs in patients with MS has not improved over time.

An easy intervention to improve short-term adherence to medications in community-dwelling older outpatients. A pilot non-randomised controlled trial

Background

Complex interventions to improve compliance to pharmacological treatment in older people have given mixed results and are not easily applicable in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to test the short-term efficacy on self-reported medication adherence of an easy intervention in which the patient or caregiver was asked to transcribe the pharmacological treatment while it was dictated to him/her by the doctor.

Methods

Pilot non-randomised controlled trial involving 108 community-dwelling outpatients aged 65+ (54 in the intervention arm, 54 controls) referred to a geriatric service from May to July 2009 and prescribed by the geriatrician a change in therapy. The intervention was applied at the end of the visit to the person managing the medications, be it the elder or his/her caregiver. Outcome of the study was the occurrence of any adherence error, assessed at a one-month follow-up by means of a semi-structured interview.

Results

The socio-demographic, functional and clinical characteristics of the two compared groups were similar at baseline. At a one-month follow-up 43 subjects (40%) had made at least one adherence error, whether unintentional or intentional. In the intervention group the prevalence of adherence errors was lower than in controls (20% vs 59%; adjusted odds ratio 0.16, 95% confidence interval 0.07 - 0.39; p < 0.001) after adjusting for the person managing the medications, the adherence errors at baseline and for the number of prescribed drugs.

Conclusions

In an older outpatient population the intervention considered was effective in reducing the prevalence of adherence errors in the month following the visit.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000347965