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Review
. 2025 Jun 2;15(3):176-186.
doi: 10.9740/mhc.2025.06.176. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Evaluating the efficacy of blister packaging in improving medication adherence within psychiatry: A systematic literature review

Eric P Borrelli  1 , Monica Telinoiu  2 , Peter Saad  3 , Nathan Barnes  3 , Heather Nelkin  4 , Julia D Lucaci  5
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating the efficacy of blister packaging in improving medication adherence within psychiatry: A systematic literature review

Eric P Borrelli et al. Ment Health Clin. .

Abstract

Introduction: Medication nonadherence is a prevalent and significant public health issue in the United States, particularly among patients with psychiatric disorders. Blister packaging medications is one of the most widely recognized and validated strategies for enhancing medication adherence. Given the paramount importance of adherence in psychiatry and the demonstrated effectiveness of blister packaging in chronic disorders, it is imperative to evaluate its effect in this context.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar in May 2024 to identify relevant studies assessing the effect of blister packaging on medication adherence, health outcomes, and health care costs in psychiatry. Studies were included if they provided quantitative data on the effects of blister packaging on medication adherence in psychiatry. A meta-analysis was not performed due to differences in definitions of adherence in the included studies.

Results: The review included 3 clinical studies and 1 cost-utility analysis (CUA). All 3 clinical studies demonstrated that blister packaging improved medication adherence rates. However, minimal data was available regarding its effect on clinical or patient-reported outcomes. The CUA found that blister packaging was dominant (less costly and more effective) compared with standard vial packaging.

Discussion: The evidence presented in this review substantiates the positive effect for blister packaging in a psychiatric population. Nevertheless, due to the limited scope and size of the studies reviewed, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to fully assess the broader effect of blister packaging on clinical outcomes and health care costs within psychiatry.

Keywords: adherence; behavioral health; blister packaging; compliance; health outcomes; medication adherence packaging; mental health.

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Figures

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FIGURE
Flowchart of studies identified during the systematic literature review
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