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Interventions to improve adherence to medication in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review of the literature on the role of pharmacists
Author(s) -
Lindenmeyer A.,
Hearnshaw H.,
Vermeire E.,
Van Royen P.,
Wens J.,
Biot Y.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2006.00759.x
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , pharmacist , diabetes management , medline , medication therapy management , type 2 diabetes mellitus , diabetes mellitus , pill , intervention (counseling) , pharmaceutical care , family medicine , medication adherence , type 2 diabetes , patient education , pharmacy , intensive care medicine , nursing , political science , law , endocrinology
Summary Background and objective: Pharmacists are now adopting a crucial role in the management of chronic illness in primary care, providing diabetes care and advice. This review aims to show whether a range of diabetes care interventions delivered by pharmacists is successful in improving adherence to medication. Methods: The studies reviewed formed a subgroup of a Cochrane review on interventions to improve adherence to medication in people with type 2 diabetes. Search terms were ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’ and ‘compliance’ or ‘adherence’. Studies were included if they assessed adherence to medical treatment specifically, rather than other aspects of self‐management. Out of the 21 studies selected for review, five described an intervention delivered by a pharmacist. Results and discussion: Two studies reported on attempts to improve adherence focused on the taking of medication. A system of reminders and packaging improved medication adherence, but measuring medicine taking through pill counts or Medication Event Monitoring System was not effective. Three studies evaluated pharmacist‐led integrated management and education programmes designed to improve glycaemic control for under‐served patient populations. They all succeeded in lowering glycated haemoglobin, but it remains unclear whether this resulted from improved patient adherence. Conclusion: This review indicates a potential benefit of pharmacist interventions to improve medication adherence in diabetes, especially in providing patient education.