Prescription Drugs
Compliance with prescription drug regimens among seniors with chronic conditions increased after the implementation of a pharmacy care program, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found.
For the study, researchers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., evaluated prescription drug adherence for 200 patients ages 65 and older who take at least four medications for chronic conditions. From June 30, 2004, through July 6, 2005, some study participants were enrolled in a pharmacy care program involving:
- Patient education;
- Regular consultations with pharmacists; and
- Medications dispensed in time-specific blister packs.
The researchers recommended that health care delivery systems and policy organizations develop and promote programs that increase medication adherence when dealing with populations that are less likely to comply with treatment regimens (Lee et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, 11/13). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.