Complexity of Medicine Regimens and Patient Perception of Medicine Burden

Exploring Factors Associated with Health Status and Dietary Supplement Use Among Portuguese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background/Objectives: Dietary supplements are associated with general well-being. However, there is a growing concern about health risks from unlabeled harmful substances, contaminants, or their interactions with conventional drugs. The use of dietary supplements should also be monitored in vulnerable groups. Hence, this study aimed to explore key factors associated with dietary supplement use and health status among Portuguese adults. Methods: An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess health, medication, and dietary supplement use. Data were collected from January to February 2023. The participants (N = 449) were categorized into age groups (18-29, 30-39, 40-60, and 60+). Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. Results: Overall, 73% of the participants were female, with 38% in the 40-60 age group. Among male participants (27%), more than half belonged to the two older age groups. Additionally, 42% reported having a diagnosed disease, 43% reported using medication, and 66% rated their health as "good". Participants aged 60+ with multiple diagnosed diseases and a higher BMI were associated with poorer self-rated health. Cardiovascular drug use was more prevalent among males and the 60+ age group, positively correlating with the number of medications (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Medication use (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.10-0.60) and diagnosed diseases (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.17-0.69) were associated with a lower likelihood of avoiding supplement use. Females were more likely to use supplements, with multivitamin-mineral supplements most common among both sexes and adults aged 60+. Conclusions: As supplement use increases, developing evidence-based guidelines for safe use, especially among vulnerable populations, is crucial.

Experience of the Burden of Using Multiple Medicines and the Associated Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life

Managing multiple medications can be challenging for many patients and negatively affect their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the key factors that predict medication burden and HRQoL separately. The secondary aim was to investigate whether overall experience of medication burden mediates the relationship between the number of medications taken and HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 348 participants. The average age of these participants was 31 years (SD ± 11.3 years). The average number of medications used was 3.2 (SD ± 1.6). The majority of the study participants experienced moderate (39.0%) to high (45.0%) levels of medication burden. Limited autonomy in adjusting their regimen and concerns about their medications were identified as major contributors to this burden. Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated that overall experience of medication burden, self-rated health, and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus significantly predicted medication burden. Similarly, self-rated health, dosing frequency, being female, and assistance with medicines were significant predictors of poor HRQoL. Mediation analysis revealed that overall experience of medication burden partially mediated the association between number of medicines used and HRQoL. These findings highlight the importance of addressing medication burden when developing interventions to avoid jeopardizing patients' HRQoL. Healthcare professionals should prioritize understanding the experiences of nonelderly patients with their medications and personalize treatment plans accordingly.

Perceptions on circumcision for HIV prevention: an application of the health belief model in a qualitative enquiry among young men in Eswatini

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) was identified as an effective strategy in HIV prevention. Although circumcision reduces heterosexual acquisition of HIV by 60%, there is low uptake of VMMC services in Eswatini. This study applies the health belief model (HBM) in understanding perceptions of young men in Eswatini towards VMMC for HIV prevention to upscale its adoption. A qualitative design was followed. Uncircumcised males aged 20-29 years were recruited among university students. In-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and transcripts imported into NVivo12 for line-by-line analysis. Emerging codes were categorized under major constructs of the HBM. Condomless sex, having multiple sex partners, genital caressing and being uncircumcised were seen as susceptible exposure. Taking life-long treatment and stigma were perceived as severity. However, participants had no intent to circumcise in the near future even after acknowledging the severity. Hygiene, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV were perceived as main benefits. Fear of pain was perceived as key barrier impeding adopting circumcision and seemed to outweigh the benefits for some participants. These findings will assist programme planners to review and promote VMMC services that will improve good health and well-being of young men to avert HIV new infections in Eswatini.

Prevalence and influencing factors of medication-related burden among patients with late-life depression in typical city of eastern China: a cross-sectional study

AIM

To evaluate the medication-related burden (MRB) of patients with late-life depression (LLD) and its influencing factors in China using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire-3 (LMQ-3), providing reference for reducing the MRB of those patients.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024 on 588 patients with LLD. LMQ-3 and MRB factors questionnaire were used for data collection. The distribution of variables was assessed using descriptive analysis, while analyses of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis were performed to evaluate inter-group differences. To explore the MRB among patients with LLD and influencing factors, multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) LMQ-3 score of 588 participants was 102 (18), indicating a moderate MRB level. Regression analysis revealed a significant trend toward higher perceived burden among patients aged 70-79 years old, living in rural areas, receiving more medical insurance settlements, using all cash, taking more than 5 drugs each time, and taking medicine more than 3 times a day (p < 0.05), which were risk factors for higher MRB. Conversely, patients who lived with their children, had an annual household income (including adult children) more than 50,000 Chinese Yuan, and no adverse drug reactions had lower LMQ-3 scores (p < 0.05), which were protective factors. Patients' concerns about medicine, their lack of autonomy in medicine regimens, and the lack of communication between patients and doctors on treatment regimens were the main causes of the burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study provided preliminary evidence of the MRB among patients with LLD. Age, residence, living status, annual household income, type of drug payment, quantity and frequency of medication, and adverse reactions significantly affected the perceived medication burden. It is advisable for health policy makers and health care providers to implement appropriate intervention strategies and burden reduction programs for this vulnerable group.

The Arabic medication-related burden quality of life (MRB-QoL) tool: Cross-cultural adaptation and content validation

Background

The Medication-Related Burden Quality of Life (MRB-QoL) is a 31-item valid and reliable patient-reported measure of medicine burden on functioning and well-being in people with long-term conditions (LTC).

Objectives

To translate, culturally adapt, and content validate the MRB-QoL into Arabic.

Methods

A rigorous approach to cross-cultural adaptation proposed by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guideline was followed. After 3 forward translations and 2 backward translations, a multidisciplinary expert panel assessed the content validity (CV) of the items through a 2-round e-modified Delphi method followed by two-step cognitive debriefings with patients with LTC using think-aloud and probing techniques. An item-content validity index (I-CVI) score of ≥0.78 was considered acceptable. The original questionnaire developers and other researchers, as members of the review committee, reviewed and approved the Arabic version.

Results

Five semantic and 3 cultural translation discrepancies were identified and resolved by rewording the items. The 2 backward translations did not reveal significant problems, and equivalence to the original tool was confirmed following committee review. The Arabic version showed acceptable CV parameters. E-modified Delphi involved 9 experts in round one and 7 in round 2. The I-CVI scores ranged from 0.67 to 1.0, and agreement was reached after 2 rounds. The CVI for the final version of the MRB-QoL was 0.96. Expert panel review showed that the MRB-QoL-Arabic version is relevant (CVI = 0.92), important (CVI = 0.97), clear (CVI = 0.98), and comprehensive in measuring the burden of medicines. Data from 5 cognitive interviews showed that items and concepts included in the Arabic version of the MRB-QoL are relevant to the targeted sample, clear, and easy to understand.

Conclusion

The MRB-QoL Arabic version was developed and content validated. However, further evaluation of its other psychometric properties is necessary before it can be utilized in clinical and research settings. Using this tool will enable a more accurate understanding of the effects of treatment burden on patient well-being, thereby guiding care toward minimally disruptive medicine.

Complexity of the Therapeutic Regimen in Older Adults with Cancer: Associated Factors

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon and is often associated with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Complex medication regimens are common among older adults and contribute to the occurrence of harmful health outcomes. Age is one of the main risk factors for cancer. This study aimed to determine and characterize the therapeutic complexity in older patients with cancer, and analyze the factors associated with high complexity and the impact of the oncological context.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with patients aged ≥65 years with cancer was conducted in three hospitals in northern Portugal. Data collection was obtained using self-reports. The medication regimen complexity was assessed using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Descriptive and association statistical analysis were performed. Logistic, linear, simple and multiple regression analysis were conducted, with and without automatic variable selection.

RESULTS

A total of 552 patients were included (median age, 71; IQR, 68-76). The mean MRCI before the oncological context was 18.67 (SD 12.60) and 27.39 (SD 16.67) after the oncological context, presenting a statistically significant difference in the values obtained (p < 0.001). An elevated complexity was significantly associated with polypharmacy, chronic diseases and with the administration of high-risk medications (p < 0.05). High MRCI values showed a relationship with the occurrence of potential drug interactions (p < 0.001). There was no relationship with the existence of cardiac risk comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the existence of high therapeutic complexity in older patients with cancer, suggesting the need for intervention to prevent medication-related problems in this vulnerable population.

Medication-related burden and its association with medication adherence among elderly tuberculosis patients in Guizhou, China: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality are significantly increasing in the elderly worldwide. Their optimal health outcomes are hampered by medication related burden (MRB) and poor treatment adherence. Understanding th e MRB status from patients' perspectives and its association with adherence among elderly TB patients will help achieve the End TB targets. Thus, we aimed to identify the incidence of MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou, and determine their association.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three prefectures with high TB notifications in Guizhou in 2022. The data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews. MRB was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire version 3 (LMQ-3), which consists of eight domains. Nonadherence was assessed by treatment interruption, which was defined as any interruption lasting at least 1 day at any time within the last 3 months. A binary unconditional logistic regression model was used to determine the association between variables.

Results

Of the 405 elderly TB patients enrolled, 49.4% and 42.7% of the respondents perceived suffering from moderate and high MRB, respectively. The incidence of nonadherence among patients was 33.6%. Patients with higher scores in domain 2 (practical difficulties) [OR adj = 1.19; 95% CI (1.11-1.28)] and domain 4 (side effects burden of prescribed medications) [OR adj = 1.16; 95% CI (1.06-1.27)] were more likely to experience nonadherence. But, patients with higher scores in domain 8 (control/autonomy of medicine use) [OR adj = 0.70; 95% CI (0.61, 0.81)] were more likely to occur adherence. Patients with a high education level [OR adj = 0.29; 95% CI (0.08, 0.92)] had a decreased risk of nonadherence, but those with a living expense from a retirement salary [OR adj = 2.55; 95% CI (1.16, 5.71)] had an increased risk of nonadherence.

Discussion

The incidence of MRB and medication nonadherence is high among elderly TB patients in Guizhou. The significant associations between the three domains of MRB and nonadherence highlight that measuring MRB in multiple dimensions using the LMQ-3 in elderly TB patients could assist clinicians in providing patient-centered care, and multifaceted interventions targeting the identified problems should be implemented to reduce MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou.

Effect of Multi-Dose Dispensing on Medication Regimen Complexity: A Real-World Study

(1) Background: Older patients frequently require dosing aids, such as multi-dose medication dispensing (MMD) when they experience medication regimen complexity (MRC) with increased drug use. However, the evaluations of the efficacy of MMD alterations remain limited. (2) Methods: A total of 1120 patients were included in the study who were discharged from hospital during the study period of January to March 2019. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) score, a validated 65-item tool in Korea (MRCI-K), was used to quantify MRC. The original MRCI-K scores, representing the typical administration based on prescription information, were compared to recalculated MRCI-K scores measured following MMD during the hospital dispensing period. Differences in MRCI-K across the top four wards based on the numbers of discharge prescription medications were assessed, and the overall scores were categorized into quartiles to identify MMD's impact within each group. We confirmed the effect of MMD based on the patient's admission diagnosis depending on MRCI. (3) Results: The mean (standard deviation) of original MRCI scores was 26.2 (13.4), which decreased to 18.9 (8.8) after applying MMD. The decrease in MRCI scores after MMD was statistically significant in all four wards, with the Orthopedic Surgery ward showing the biggest decrease. The patients with MRCI scores in the highest quartile group demonstrated the greatest improvement as a result of the implementation of MMD. Respiratory diseases exhibited the highest baseline MRCI scores due to formulation complexity, and ear, nose, and throat patients demonstrated the most significant reduction in MRC after MMD, depending on the diagnostic criteria at administration. (4) Conclusions: We confirmed the reduction in MRC after applying MMD, as a significant decrease in MRCI-K scores. This study highlights the need to deliver effective pharmacist-led services to identify patients who would benefit from MMD.

A Delphi Method for Development of a Barrett's Esophagus Question Prompt List as a Communication Tool for Optimal Patient-physician Communication

BACKGROUND METHODS

The question prompt list content was derived through a modified Delphi process consisting of 3 rounds. In round 1, experts provided 5 answers to the prompts "What general questions should patients ask when given a new diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus" and "What questions do I not hear patients asking, but given my expertise, I believe they should be asking?" Questions were reviewed and categorized into themes. In round 2, experts rated questions on a 5-point Likert scale. In round 3, experts rerated questions modified or reduced after the previous rounds. Only questions rated as "essential" or "important" were included in Barrett's esophagus question prompt list (BE-QPL). To improve usability, questions were reduced to minimize redundancy and simplified to use language at an eighth-grade level (Fig. 1).

RESULTS

Twenty-one esophageal medical and surgical experts participated in both rounds (91% males; median age 52 years). The expert panel comprised of 33% esophagologists, 24% foregut surgeons, and 24% advanced endoscopists, with a median of 15 years in clinical practice. Most (81%), worked in an academic tertiary referral hospital. In this 3-round Delphi technique, 220 questions were proposed in round 1, 122 (55.5%) were accepted into the BE-QPL and reduced down to 76 questions (round 2), and 67 questions (round 3). These 67 questions reached a Flesch Reading Ease of 68.8, interpreted as easily understood by 13 to 15 years olds.

CONCLUSIONS

With multidisciplinary input, we have developed a physician-derived BE-QPL to optimize patient-physician communication. Future directions will seek patient feedback to distill the questions further to a smaller number and then assess their usability.

Caregiver Burden Correlates With Complexity of Drug Regimen in Non-oncological Palliative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Progressive chronic diseases presume a complex treatment plan that depends on the number of symptoms, their severity, and comorbidities. Drug management is an essential responsibility of the family caregiver of a palliative care patient, but has received limited attention in field research.

STUDY QUESTIONS

The aim of this study is to identify the complexity of the therapeutic plan followed at home by cancer or noncancer patients needing palliative care, and to assess its impact on the burden of the family caregivers.

STUDY DESIGN

This observational study was conducted at patient's admission in a palliative care department. The study involved cancer and noncancer patients and their primary family caregivers. To measure the care burden, the Burden Scale for Family Caregiver was used and for the complexity of the therapeutic plan, the Medication Regime Complexity Index.

MEASURES AND OUTCOMES

To measure the care burden, the Burden Scale for Family Caregiver was used and for the complexity of the therapeutic plan, the Medication Regime Complexity Index.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty patients were enrolled with their family caregivers: patients with nononcological pathologies (n = 63) and patients with cancer (n = 77). Caregiver's burden score is statistically significantly correlated with the complexity of the medical plan in both groups (P = 0.32 and P = 0.012 respectively). The average family caregiver's burden was significantly higher in the nononcological group (45 ± 14.45 vs. 36.52 ± 15.05; P = 0.001). The number of medications that family caregivers administer daily for patients without cancer is higher than in the other subset (8.25 ± 4.94 vs. 5.89 ± 4.93; P = 0.004). Opioids were more frequently used for pain control in cancer patients (5 vs. 72; P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The caregiver's burden is high for nononcological patients. The complexity of the treatment plan (number of drugs and frequency of administration) is significantly correlated with the care burden. Further studies are needed to understand which interventions targeted on family caregivers will minimize the burden of care.

Medication-related burden and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in northwest Ethiopia

Background

Evaluating the medicine burden from the patients' perspective is essential for getting good health outcomes of diabetes mellitus (DM) management. However, data are limited regarding this sensitive area. Thus, the study was aimed to determine the medication-related burden (MRB) and associated factors among DM patients at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (FHCSH) in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 systematically selected DM patients attending the DM clinic of FHCSH from June to August 2020. The medication-related burden was measured by using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire version 3 (LMQ-3). Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with medication-related burden and reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant to declare an association.

Results

The mean LMQ-3 score was 126.52 ( ± 17.39). The majority of the participants experienced moderate (58.9%, 95% CI: 53.9-63.7) to high (26.2%, 95% CI: 22.5-30.0) degrees of medication burden. Nearly half (44.9%, 95% CI: 39.9-49.7) of the participants were non-adherent to their prescribed medications. VAS score (B = 12.773, p = 0.001), ARMS score (B = 8.505, p = 0.001), and fasting blood glucose (FBS) on visit (B = 5.858, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with high medication-related burden.

Conclusion

A significant number of patients suffered from high medication-related burden and non-adherence to long-term medicine. Therefore, multidimensional intervention to decrease MRB and to upgrade adherence is required to increase patients' quality of life.

Evaluating the Medication Regimen Complexity Score as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in the Critically Ill

Background: Medication Regimen Complexity (MRC) refers to the combination of medication classes, dosages, and frequencies. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the scores of different MRC tools and the clinical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Roger William Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, which included 317 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between 1 February 2020 and 30 August 2020. MRC was assessed using the MRC Index (MRCI) and MRC for the Intensive Care Unit (MRC-ICU). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associations among MRC scores, clinical outcomes, and a logistic classifier to predict clinical outcomes. Results: Higher MRC scores were associated with increased mortality, a longer ICU length of stay (LOS), and the need for mechanical ventilation (MV). MRC-ICU scores at 24 h were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with increased ICU mortality, LOS, and MV, with ORs of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06−1.19), 1.17 (1.1−1.24), and 1.21 (1.14−1.29), respectively. Mortality prediction was similar using both scoring tools (AUC: 0.88 [0.75−0.97] vs. 0.88 [0.76−0.97]. The model with 15 medication classes outperformed others in predicting the ICU LOS and the need for MV with AUCs of 0.82 (0.71−0.93) and 0.87 (0.77−0.96), respectively. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that both MRC scores were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The incorporation of MRC scores in real-time therapeutic decision making can aid clinicians to prescribe safer alternatives.

Polypharmacy, Medication-Related Burden and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in People Living with HIV Aged 50 and Above: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan, China

PURPOSE

People living with HIV (PLWHIV) are susceptible to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) because of aging and infections. This means that the number of non-HIV medications increases, along with issues of polypharmacy and medication-related burden. The purpose of this study was to identify the current situation of polypharmacy and medication-related burden among PLWHIV aged 50 and above, as well as the relation between medication-related burden and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 185 participants recruited from two HIV clinics in Yuelu District Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Changsha First Hospital in Hunan, China. Participants filled questionnaires about comorbidities, polypharmacy, medication-related burden, ART adherence and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 40% were receiving polypharmacy, and PLWHIV, who were female (β = 5.946; 95% CI = 1.354, 10.541), had a lower monthly income (β = -4.777; 95% CI = -6.923, -2.632), and took more drugs (β = 2.200; 95% CI = 1.167, 3.233) were more likely to report a higher level of medication-related burden. The score of ART adherence was negatively associated with medication-related burden (r_s = -0.250 p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that more attention should be paid to the issues of polypharmacy and targeted interventions should be developed to reduce medication-related burden among older PLWHIV.

Effects of a pharmaceutical care intervention on clinical outcomes and patient adherence in coronary heart disease: the MIMeRiC randomized controlled trial

Background

In the treatment of coronary heart disease, secondary prevention goals are still often unmet and poor adherence to prescribed drugs has been suggested as one of the reasons. We aimed to investigate whether pharmaceutical care by a pharmacist at the cardiology clinic trained in motivational interviewing improves clinical outcomes and patient adherence.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, outcomes-blinded trial designed to compare pharmaceutical care follow-up with standard care. After standard follow-up at the cardiology clinic, patients in the intervention group were seen by a clinical pharmacist two to five times as required over seven months. Pharmacists were trained to use motivational interviewing in the consultations and they tailored their support to each patient’s clinical needs and beliefs about medicines. The primary study end-point was the proportion of patients who reached the treatment goal for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 12 months after discharge. The key secondary outcome was patient adherence to lipid-lowering therapy at 15 months after discharge, and other secondary outcomes were the effects on patient adherence to other preventive drugs, systolic blood pressure, disease-specific quality of life, and healthcare use.

Results

316 patients were included. The proportion of patients who reached the target for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were 37.0% in the intervention group and 44.2% in the control group (P = .263). More intervention than control patients were adherent to cholesterol-lowering drugs (88 vs 77%; P = .033) and aspirin (97 vs 91%; P = .036) but not to beta-blocking agents or renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our intervention had no positive effects on risk factors for CHD, but it increased patient adherence. Further investigation of the intervention process is needed to explore the difference in results between patient adherence and medication effects. Longer follow-up of healthcare use and mortality will determine if the increased adherence per se eventually will have a meaningful effect on patient health.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02102503, 03/04/2014 retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02178-0.

Exploring polypharmacy burden among elderly patients with chronic diseases in Chinese community: a cross-sectional study

Background

In the long-term use of multiple medications for elderly patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, medication problems are prominent, which seriously reduces their quality of life. The burden of medications of patients critically affects their medication beliefs, behaviors and disease outcomes. It may be a solution to stress the burden of medications of patients. Its medication issues develops a novel perspective. The present study aimed to exploit the Chinese version of Living with Medicines Questionnaire-3(C-LMQ-3) to quantify the medicines burden of elderly patients diagnosed with chronic diseases in China, and evaluate the relevant demographic characteristics of sub-populations with high medicines burden.

Methods

The survey was distributed to elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years with chronic disease by using ≥ 5 medicines, C-LMQ-3 scores and domain scores were compared by the characteristics of elderly patients by employing descriptive statistics and performing statistical tests.

Results

On the whole, 430 responses were analyzed, and the participants were aged between 60 and 91 years, with the average age of 73.57 years (SD: 7.87). Most of the responses were female (61.7 %) with middle school education (38.5 %). Moreover, 54.1 % of the participants lived with spouse only, 16.2 % had both spouse and children, and 10.0 % lived alone. As indicated from regression analysis, higher C-LMQ-3 scores were associated with those who were with low education level, 60–69 years-old, using ≥ 11 medicines, using medicines ≥ 3 times a day, income per month (RMB) ≤ 3000, and who having higher monthly self-paid medication (RMB) ≥ 300 (p < 0.01). Burden was mainly driven by cost-related burden, concerns about medicines, and the lack of autonomy over medicine regimens.

Conclusions

This study presents the preliminary evidence to elderly patients diagnosed with chronic diseases in mainland China that pay attention to multiple medications burden may help reduce the Drug Related Problems, whereas some elderly patients have a higher burden of medication. Chinese health care providers are required to primarily evaluate and highlight such patients, and formulate relevant intervention strategies to ensure medication adherence and daily medication management of elderly patients with polypharmacy.

Medication-Related Burden and Medication Adherence Among Geriatric Patients in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

The evaluation of medicines burden from the patients’ perspectives is a crucial endeavor to identify any barriers that may hinder achieving optimal health outcomes. Therefore, this study was designed, firstly to identify the prevalence of medication-related burden among geriatrics and factors influencing this burden. Secondly, to determine the prevalence of medication adherence and the correlation between the burden and adherence. A cross-sectional study was performed using Living with Medicines Questionnaire version-3 (LMQ-3) and Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) questionnaire. Four hundred and fifty patients attending primary healthcare centers were invited to participate, and 424 (94.2%) agreed. Data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews. The vast majority of respondents (97.4%; 95% CI: 95.3–98.6) perceived to suffer from minimum (35.4%) to moderate (62.0%) degrees of medicine burden. The median (IQR) LMQ overall score was 112 (21) indicating a moderate burden. LMQ-3 overall scores revealed a significant trend toward higher perceived burden among respondents aged ≥ 75 years, males, non-Kuwaitis, residents in Al-Farwaniyah and Al-Jahra governorates, using oral and nonoral formulations, paying prescription charges, and needing support with using medicines (p <0.05). Almost 55% (95% CI: 49.8–59.5) of respondents were nonadherent to their medications. The median (IQR) ARMS overall score was 20 (7.0) indicating low adherence to medications. There was a significant positive correlation between LMQ-3 and ARMS scores (p<0.001) showing that the higher the medications burden the lower the level of medication adherence. The key findings of this study underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that could be targeted at the identified problems to reduce medication burden and improve medication adherence.

Medication Regimen Complexity Index Prediction of Adverse Drug Reaction-Related Hospital Admissions

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) and adverse drug reaction (ADR)-related hospital admissions has not yet specifically been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the MRCI and compare with medication count for prediction of ADR-related hospital admissions in older patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected convenience sample of 768 unplanned medical admissions of Australians aged 65 years old and older. The sample consisted of 115 (15.0%) ADR-related unplanned hospital admissions and 653 (85.0%) non-ADR-related unplanned medical admissions. The MRCI score was calculated from the medical records and analyzed to predict ADR-related hospital admissions.

RESULTS

The cohort had a median age of 81 years, 5 comorbidities, and 11 medications, with a slight majority of women. The MRCI score was not significantly different in patients who had ADR-related admissions compared with other medical admissions-38.5 versus 34.0, respectively; Wilcoxon Rank Sum test W = 33 522; P = 0.067. The medication count was significantly different between the ADR-related admissions compared with other medical admissions: 12 versus 10; W = 32 508; P = 0.021. However, the medication count was not a strong predictor of ADR-related admissions; unadjusted odds ratio = 1.044; 95% CI = 1.006-1.084.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The MRCI score did not discriminate between ADR-related admissions and other medical admissions despite taking time to calculate with potential for inconsistent application. Medication count is more readily applicable with marginally greater relevance in this cohort; however, both measures do not appear to be useful when used alone for clinicians to identify patients at risk of ADRs.

Impact of Medication Regimen Simplification on Medication Administration Times and Health Outcomes in Residential Aged Care: 12 Month Follow Up of the SIMPLER Randomized Controlled Trial

In the SImplification of Medications Prescribed to Long-tErm care Residents (SIMPLER) cluster-randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the impact of structured medication regimen simplification on medication administration times, falls, hospitalization, and mortality at 8 residential aged care facilities (RACFs) at 12 month follow up. In total, 242 residents taking ≥1 medication regularly were included. Opportunities for simplification among participants at 4 RACFs were identified using the validated Medication Regimen Simplification Guide for Residential Aged CarE (MRS GRACE). Simplification was possible for 62 of 99 residents in the intervention arm. Significant reductions in the mean number of daily medication administration times were observed at 8 months (-0.38, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -0.69 to -0.07) and 12 months (-0.47, 95%CI -0.84 to -0.09) in the intervention compared to the comparison arm. A higher incidence of falls was observed in the intervention arm (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.20, 95%CI 1.33 to 3.63) over 12-months, which was primarily driven by a high falls rate in one intervention RACF and a simultaneous decrease in comparison RACFs. No significant differences in hospitalizations (IRR 1.78, 95%CI 0.57-5.53) or mortality (relative risk 0.81, 95%CI 0.48-1.38) over 12 months were observed. Medication simplification achieves sustained reductions in medication administration times and should be implemented using a structured resident-centered approach that incorporates clinical judgement.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability Testing of Chinese Version of the Living with Medicines Questionnaire in Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases

BACKGROUND

The Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ-3) is a reliable, valid instrument used to assess the medication-related burden of patients with chronic disease using long-term medication, but it has not been used in China.

PURPOSE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the LMQ-3 into Chinese and assess its reliability and validity among elderly patients with chronic disease.

METHODS

After translation and back-translation, views from an expert group and cognitive interviews with elderly persons using multiple medicines were used to ensure the cultural relevance of the LMQ-3. Then, 412 participants aged 60-92 years were recruited from three communities in Zhengzhou to complete the instrument. Item analysis, internal consistency, content validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability testing were performed.

RESULTS

Item analysis identified nine items for possible removal, which were discussed with the originating team. Internal consistency testing confirmed the suitability of removing two of these items, which concurred with the views of the expert group and cognitive interviews. All other items were retained, but four were modified for clarification without changing their meaning, resulting in a 39-item instrument. EFA of this 39-item measure yielded an eight-factor model, similar to the English version. Cronbach's alpha of the Chinese version of LMQ-3 (C-LMQ-3) for elderly patients with chronic diseases was 0.855, and alpha values for the eight domains ranged from 0.822 to 0.932. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory, with ICC values for the eight domain scores ranging from 0.751 to 0.881.

CONCLUSION

With only minor modifications compared to the English version, the 39-item C-LMQ-3 is a valid tool, with adequate reliability, which can be used to assess the medication-related burden of long-term use of multiple medicines in elderly patients in China.

Pharmacotherapy related quality of life in Thai patients with chronic diseases

Background Little was known about patient's pharmacotherapy related quality of life (PTRQoL) and its differences between disease groups. Objective First, to assess PTRQoL in Thai patients with chronic diseases using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure of Pharmaceutical Therapy for Quality of Life (PROMPT-QoL). Second, to determine the differences in PROMPT-QoL domain scores and total scores between disease groups. Setting Three public university hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. Method Eleven hundred and fifty-six adult outpatients continuously taking medicines to treat their diseases for at least 3 months were conveniently sampled. Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to determine the differences in eight PROMPT-QoL domain scores and total scores between 14 disease groups. Main outcome measure The descriptive statistics of PROMPT-QoL domains and the total score. Results Approximately two-thirds of all patients preferred to use only medicines for treating their diseases. Impacts of Medicines and Side-Effects and Medicine and Disease Information yielded the highest (87.3) and lowest (55.4) mean domain scores, respectively. The other domains and the total score provided the average scores between 65 and 75, which were interpreted as moderate-to-good. Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that there were five domains providing significantly different scores between disease groups. They included Medicine and Disease Information, Satisfaction with Medicine Effectiveness, Impacts of Medicines and Side-effects, Convenience, and Therapeutic Relationships with Healthcare Providers domains. Conclusion Pharmacotherapy related quality of life in Thai patients is moderate-to-good. Five of eight pharmacotherapy related quality of life domain scores differed by disease groups.

Exploring Medicines Burden Among Adults in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

Using medicines regularly can be a burden for some people and can contribute to reduced adherence. In New Zealand, relatively few studies have examined people's medicine-taking experiences and most involved older people, although medicine burden is also an issue for younger people. The UK-developed "Living with Medicines Questionnaire" (LMQ-3) is an instrument designed to quantify medicine burden.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to quantify medicines burden among New Zealand adults, using the LMQ-3, to identify any sub-populations with high medicine burden and to identify specific issues that may need to be addressed.

SETTING

The study was set in New Zealand and included seven national patient support group websites, and five community pharmacies in Dunedin.

METHODS

The survey was distributed to adults ≥18 years using ≥ one medicine for ≥3 months. LMQ-3 scores and domain scores were compared by patient characteristics using descriptive statistics and statistical tests.

RESULTS

In total, 472 responses were analysed: 327/417 (78.4%) from patient support group websites and 145/360 (40.3%) from community pharmacies. Most commonly participants were female (295, 62.5%), ≥65 years (236, 50.0%), European (422, 89.4%), retired (232, 49.2%), university educated (203, 43.0%), used medicines independently (449, 95.1%), and paid for prescriptions (429, 90.9%). Most used <10 medicines (415, 87.9%) and <three times daily (356, 75.4%). From LMQ scores, 30.5% had a high burden (≥111). Regression analysis indicated that higher LMQ-3 scores were associated with those who were unemployed, aged 18-29 years, using ≥5 medicines, or using medicines <3 times a day (p<0.01). Burden was mainly driven by a perceived lack of autonomy over medicine regimens, or concerns about medicines and side effects.

CONCLUSION

Three quarters of New Zealand participants experienced moderate or high medicine burden. Being unemployed, aged 18-29 years, or using more (or more frequent) medicines, were associated with higher burden. These groups should become the target for interventions seeking to reduce medicine burden.