Does hospitalization influence patients' medication adherence and community pharmacists' interventions?

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence reduces disease morbidity. Data regarding changes in a patient's adherence before and after hospitalization and how this hospitalization influences a pharmacist's interventions are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in adherence to cardiovascular and respiratory medications in the year preceding and following a hospitalization; explore patients' perceptions about medication adherence and the pharmacist's role; and describe pharmacists' interventions regarding medication adherence.

METHODS

This cohort study included patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, acute worsening of heart failure, or acute COPD exacerbations. Adherence to cardiovascular and respiratory medications was measured by calculating the proportion of days covered (PDC) from prescription refills. Patient interviews were completed to explore their perceptions about medication adherence and the role of the pharmacist. Community pharmacists were invited to complete an online survey and to participate in focus groups to discuss interventions to improve medication adherence.

RESULTS

Medication adherence was assessed for 61 patients; the mean PDC was 69.8% 12 months before hospitalization and 72.4% 12 months following hospitalization. Patients reported that they felt the need to take their medications to prevent worsening of their disease. They were satisfied with current pharmaceutical services. A total of 136 questionnaires completed by pharmacists were analyzed and 9 participants attended the focus groups. Most pharmacists reported monitoring prescription renewals to assess adherence, with no significant influence from the hospitalization itself. The patient's interest was reported to be an important facilitator, whereas a lack of time and face-to-face interaction with patients who had their medication delivered to their home was reported a main barrier to interventions. This study was limited by a small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient medication adherence did not significantly change following hospitalization. Hospitalization does not appear to significantly influence patient and pharmacist behavior towards medication adherence.