SubscribeA study published online by JAMA (13 November 2006) has come out in support of pharmacy care programmes for patients over the age of 65.
The study, which included a monitored dosage system provided by MTS Medication Technologies, found such support did lead to better adherence to treatment with medication and resulted in improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol measures.
The study, which was carried out in the US, followed 200 patients. Initially, for two months, they were just observed and then they were introduced to a six month pharmacy care progamme, which included medicine education, follow-ups with the pharmacist and a monitored dosage system (all patients were using at least 4 items). Following this the group was split, with half continuing to receive the care programme and the other half reverting back to what was deemed 'usual' care.
Those continuing with the care programme did demonstrate improved compliance to their medication over the observation stage - 61.2% to 96.9% - as well as the improved blood pressure and cholesterol measures.
Managing director of MTS, leaders in the supply of multi-dose packaging products, Peter Williams explains: "We have been championing for a study into the true effectiveness of pharmacy-based concordance support for a number of years, based on the extensive and compelling anecdotal evidence we hear from pharmacists every day."
There is no doubt in our minds - and in the minds of all the pharmacists that we speak to - that such services have an immense impact on patient care, particularly for the more vulnerable patients.
"This JAMA study is encouraging as it illustrates a better adherence to medication through such support, which did ultimately lead to measurable and statistically significant improvements in the criteria used to assess the patients' condition.
"Comments have been made that due to the increased observation of the patients, there may be some bias in the validity of the study but I believe the results are compelling. At long last, an extensive, well-funded and executed study into concordance support."
For once and for all, this supports what pharmacists - including myself - have been saying for years; that, when properly executed, these solutions really work and the impact of rolling out properly funded programmes within the pharmacy chain will have a major impact on the health of society's vulnerable.