Ten lessons learned from conducting an adherence intervention trial

Abstract

Jeannie K Lee1, Karen A Grace3, Allen J Taylor31College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; 2Department of Pharmacy, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC, USA; 3Cardiology Division, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, USAAbstract: Clinical practice research provides a unique opportunity to care for a diverse patient population in various health care system settings. Federal study of Adherence to Medications in the Elderly (FAME) was the first prospective observational and randomized controlled trial to implement effective strategies to enhance medication adherence and health outcomes in older patients using polypharmacy. Ten lessons learned from conducting this adherence intervention trial are described: (1) Link the trial to existing clinical work, (2) Begin with a thorough understanding of medication adherence, (3) Ensure that trial highlights individualized intervention, (4) Tailor inclusion criteria and study duration to target population, (5) Employ a range of outcomes linked to meaningful clinical effects, (6) Win the support of the multidisciplinary team and the administration, (7) Promote team work, (8) Consider the potential limitations, (9) Seize the grant opportunities, and (10) Share the findings.Keywords: adherence, pharmacist, intervention, medication