Telephone contact improves adherence to blood pressure medication
Proactive approach by pharmacists improves adherence
Patients starting medication for high blood pressure can benefit from telephone contact with their pharmacists. That is the conclusion reached by Marcel Kooij, Doctoral Candidate at Utrecht University’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. Patients who received telephone calls from pharmacists were less likely to stop taking their medication than those who were not called. “It is time that pharmacists accept the challenge and to expand their role in supporting and mentoring patients”, according to Kooij. He will defend his dissertation on medication adherence on 9 September.
Improper use of blood pressure medication, such as irregular use or early discontinuation, may unnecessary expose patients to avoidable health risks of continued high blood pressure. Prescription treatment compliance is therefore essential for effective pharmaceutical patient care. Unfortunately non-adherent behaviour is very common.
Regular medication
Patients taking blood pressure medication were more likely to take their medication regularly after a telephone call by their pharmacist. This effect was less pronounced for patients who had been prescribed anti-osteoporosis drugs and cholesterol lowering medication. Support is also important for patients who have been taking their medication for a longer period. In a second study, Kooij therefore focused on patients who filled their prescriptions for cholesterol medication on an irregular basis. This study showed that the use of an alarm at the moment that the medication needed to be administered only improved the behaviour of women with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.
Personal approach
The difference in the effects between the various groups in the study was remarkable. It appears that a personal approach and custom-tailored care are essential for success. “A patient who forgets to take their medication occasionally will need something different than a patient who stops their medication due to side effects”, explains Kooij.
Marcel Kooij will defend his dissertation on 9 September at 14:30 in University Hall in Utrecht.
This study is highly relevant to Utrecht University’s strategic research theme Life Sciences, under the sub-theme of Public Health.