Pharmacist Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence in Heart Disease Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Yunsheng Ma, Ira S. Ockene, Milagros C. Rosal, Philip A. Merriam, Judith K. Ockene, Pritesh J. Gandhi
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Hypothesis
Can a pharmacist-delivered intervention improve adherence to lipid-lowering medications among patients with coronary heart disease?
Conclusion
A pharmacist-delivered intervention aimed at improving medication adherence did not significantly affect LDL-C goal attainment due to already high adherence rates in the control group.
Supporting Evidence
- 65% of patients in the intervention group achieved LDL-C <100 mg/dL compared to 60% in the control group.
- Mean statin adherence was 0.88 in the intervention group and 0.90 in the control group.
- Only 53% of patients in the control group and 56% in the intervention group were using statins.
Takeaway
The study tried to help heart disease patients take their cholesterol medicine better, but it didn't work because most patients were already doing a good job.
Methodology
A randomized trial comparing a pharmacist-delivered intervention with usual care, involving telephone counseling and tracking of medication adherence.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the consent process and exclusion of individuals unable to provide consent.
Limitations
The study's sample size for LDL-C outcomes was smaller than intended, and the high adherence rates in the control group limited the intervention's effectiveness.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of 60 years, 60% male, 90% white, 45% had a high school education or less.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .29
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.39–0.97 for females reaching LDL-C goal
Statistical Significance
p = .29
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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