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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Mar 22;21(1):266.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06223-8.

Improved adherence with Medicines Use Review service in Slovenia: a randomized controlled trial

Urška Nabergoj Makovec  1 , Igor Locatelli  1 , Mitja Kos  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Improved adherence with Medicines Use Review service in Slovenia: a randomized controlled trial

Urška Nabergoj Makovec et al. BMC Health Serv Res. .

Abstract

Background: Based on several existing patient-oriented activities, Medicines Use Review (MUR) service was standardized and officially adopted in Slovenia in 2015. Service aims to provide adherence support and ensure safe and effective medicines use. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of MUR in Slovenia, primarily the impact on medication adherence.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed in community pharmacies to compare MUR with standard care. Patients were randomised into either the test (patients received MUR by a certified MUR provider at visit 1), or control group. The study primary outcome was self-reported adherence to multiple medications, assessed by electronic ©Morisky Widget MMAS-8 Software at the first visit (V1) and after 12 weeks (V2). A sub-analysis of intentional and unintentional non-adherence was performed. MUR impact was defined as the relative difference in ©MMAS-8 score after 12 weeks between the test and control group. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict MUR impact based on baseline adherence (low versus medium and high). Several secondary outcomes (e.g. evaluation of drug-related problems (DRPs)) were also assessed.

Results: Data from 153 (V1) and 140 (V2) patients were analysed. Baseline adherence was low, moderate and high in 17.6, 48.4 and 34.0% patients, respectively. In the low adherence subpopulation, test group patients showed a 1.20 point (95% CI = 0.16-2.25) increase in total ©MMAS-8 score (p = 0.025) compared to control group patients. A 0.84 point (95% CI = 0.05-1.63) increase was due to intentional non-adherence (p = 0.038), and a 0.36 point (95% CI = - 0.23-0.95) was due to unintentional non-adherence (p = 0.226). Additionally, statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients with manifested DRPs (p < 0.001) and concerns regarding chronic medicines use (p = 0.029) were revealed.

Conclusion: MUR service in Slovenia improves low medication adherence and is effective in addressing DRPs and concerns regarding chronic medicines use.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04417400 ; 4th June 2020; retrospectively registered.

Keywords: Adherence; Community pharmacy; Drug related problems; Medication review; Medicines Use Review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors do not report any competing interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The RCT timeline
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
CONSORT flow diagram detailing patient flow through the study, including reasons for withdrawal
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Difference in ©MMAS-8 score (V2-V1), ©MMAS-8 score of intentional non-adherence (V2-V1) and ©MMAS-8 score of unintentional non-adherence (V2-V1). The regression models were adjusted for current health status, gender, age, education level, employment status, number of Rx medicines and co-payment. Error bars indicate 95% CI
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