Work

Feasibility of implementing a web-based tool built from pharmacy claims data (e-MEDRESP) to monitor adherence to respiratory medications in primary care

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: e-MEDRESP is a novel web-based tool that provides easily interpretable information on patient adherence to asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications, using pharmacy claims data. This study investigated the feasibility of implementing e-MEDRESP in primary care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this 16-month prospective cohort study, e-MEDRESP was integrated into electronic medical records. Nineteen family physicians and 346 of their patients were enrolled. Counters embedded in the tool tracked physician use during the follow-up. Patient/physician satisfaction with e-MEDRESP was evaluated though telephone interviews and online questionnaires. The capacity of e-MEDRESP to improve adherence was explored using a pre-post analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 245 patients had at least one medical visit during follow-up. e-MEDRESP was consulted by 15 (79%) physicians for 85 (35%) patients during clinic visits. Seventy-three patients participated in telephone interviews; 84% reported discussing their medication use with their physician; 33% viewed their e-MEDRESP report and indicated that it was easy to interpret. The physicians reported that the tool facilitated their evaluation of their patients' medication adherence (mean ± standard deviation rating: 4.8 ± 0.7, on a 5-point Likert scale). Although the pre-post analysis did not reveal improved adherence in the overall cohort, adherence improved significantly in patients whose adherence level was <80% and who were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (26.9% [95% CI 14.3-39.3%]) or long-acting muscarinic agents (26.4% [95% CI 12.4-40.2%]). CONCLUSIONS: e-MEDRESP was successfully integrated in clinical practice. It could serve as a useful tool to help physicians monitor their patients' medication adherence.

Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion

DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2135835

Authors: Alia Yousif, Catherine Lemière, Amélie Forget, Marie-France Beauchesne, Lucie Blais

Institutions: Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, AstraZeneca (Canada)

Language: English

Topic: Medication Adherence and Compliance

Subfield: Family Practice

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: AstraZeneca Canada