Study finds better adherence among patients in medication-synchronization programs

WASHINGTON — Patients who received appointment-based medication synchronization were up to six times more likely to adhere to their therapies than those who didn't, according to a study of patients at rural Thrifty White Pharmacy locations in the Midwest published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.

The study, which appears in JAPhA's November/December issue, found that patients in the appointment-based medication synchronization, or ABMS group, were 3.4-6.1 times more likely to be adherent, while those in the control group were 52% to 73% more likely to stop taking chronic medications over the course of a year. Overall, the patients in the ABMS program showed adherence rates of 66.1% to 75.5% over the year, compared with 37% to 40.8% among control patients. The study took place in rural pharmacies in the Midwest between June 30, 2011 and Oct. 31. 2012.

"This research shows appointment-based medication synchronization to be one of the most effective interventions available to help patients take their medications," lead study author and Virginia Commonwealth University pharmacy professor David Holdford said. "Widespread implementation in pharmacies across the United States can have a major impact on patient health."