Effect of Reminder Cards on Compliance with Antihypertensive Medication
Objective Poor compliance to antihypertensive medications has been identified as a primary cause of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), with consequent increases in hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, any measure known to improve compliance should be encouraged. This study assesse...
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Formifarma, LDA.,
2019-12-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | Objective Poor compliance to antihypertensive medications has been identified as a primary cause of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), with consequent increases in hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, any measure known to improve compliance should be encouraged. This study assessed the impact of reminder cards on compliance to antihypertensive therapy. Method A field trial was undertaken in pharmacies located in the districts of Lisbon and Porto. Eligible participants comprised those aged 30-74 years, prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) in monotherapy, and taken on a once-daily regimen. Patients were allocated to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG), the latter being provided with a reminder card, an alarm-type device due to remind the patient of the time to take his medication. Patients were monthly monitored during 3 months for compliance and blood pressure control. Key findings Seventy-one patients participated in the study (intervention: 35; control group: 36). Compliance was similar between the groups in the first 2 months of follow-up (97.1% IG vs 94.9% CG at first follow-up and 97.5% IG vs 94.2% CG at second follow-up) and higher in the intervention group at the end of the study (97.3% IG vs 87.3% CG; P¼ 0.011). There were no mean blood pressure differences between compliant and non-compliant subjects at the end of the study (P value for differences in systolic BP (Psyst=0.580; and P value for differences in diastolic BP (Pdiast=0.175). Conclusion This small-scale study indicates a possible positive impact on patients' compliance resulting from the use of reminder cards. However, this needs confirming in larger scale studies with longer monitoring periods. Published in: Int J Pharm Pract. 2005: 13; 205-11. |
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| Item Description: | 1647-354X 2183-7341 |