Co-Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Mobile Solution to Improve Medication Adherence in Cancer: Design Science Research Approach.

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence negatively impacts the health outcomes of people with cancer as well as health care costs. Digital technologies present opportunities to address this health issue. However, there is limited evidence on how to develop digital interventions that meet the needs of people with cancer, are perceived as useful, and are potentially effective in improving medication adherence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to co-design, develop, and preliminarily evaluate an innovative mobile health solution called Safety and Adherence to Medication and Self-Care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON) to improve medication adherence among people with cancer. METHODS: Using the 4 cycles and 6 processes of design science research methodology, we co-designed and developed a medication adherence solution for people with cancer. First, we conducted a literature review on medication adherence in cancer and a systematic review of current interventions to address this issue. Behavioral science research was used to conceptualize the design features of SAMSON. Second, we conducted 2 design phases: prototype design and final feature design. Last, we conducted a mixed methods study on patients with hematological cancer over 6 weeks to evaluate the mobile solution. RESULTS: The developed mobile solution, consisting of a mobile app, a web portal, and a cloud-based database, includes 5 modules: medication reminder and acknowledgment, symptom assessment and management, reinforcement, patient profile, and reporting. The quantitative study (n=30) showed that SAMSON was easy to use (21/27, 78%). The app was engaging (18/27, 67%), informative, increased user interactions, and well organized (19/27, 70%). Most of the participants (21/27, 78%) commented that SAMSON's activities could help to improve their adherence to cancer treatments, and more than half of them (17/27, 63%) would recommend the app to their peers. The qualitative study (n=25) revealed that SAMSON was perceived as helpful in terms of reminding, supporting, and informing patients. Possible barriers to using SAMSON include the app glitches and users' technical inexperience. Further needs to refine the solution were also identified. Technical improvements and design enhancements will be incorporated into the subsequent iteration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the successful application of behavioral science research and design science research methodology to design and develop a mobile solution for patients with cancer to be more adherent. The study also highlights the importance of applying rigorous methodologies in developing effective and patient-centered digital intervention solutions.

Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera: the "RAMP" Italian multicenter prospective study.

Ruxolitinib is beneficial in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV). Information on ruxolitinib adherence is scant. The Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera (RAMP) prospective multicenter study (NCT06078319) included 189 ruxolitinib-treated patients. Patients completed the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) at the earliest convenience, after registration in the study, and at later timepoints. At week-0, low adherence (ARMS > 14) and high distress (DT ≥ 4) were declared by 49.7% and 40.2% of patients, respectively. The main reason for low adherence was difficult ruxolitinib supply (49%), intentional (4.3%) and unintentional (46.7%) non-take. In multivariable regression analysis, low adherence was associated to male sex (p = 0.001), high distress (p < 0.001), and treatment duration ≥ 1 year (p = 0.03). Over time, rates of low adherence and high distress remained stable, but unintentional non-take decreased from 47.9% to 26.0% at week-48. MF patients with stable high adherence/low distress were more likely to obtain/maintain the spleen response at week-24. Low adherence to ruxolitinib represents an unmet clinical need that require a multifaceted approach, based on reason behind it (patients characteristics and treatment duration). Its recognition may help distinguishing patients who are truly refractory and those in need of therapy optimization.

Effectiveness of digital health interventions on blood pressure control, lifestyle behaviours and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background: Digital health interventions can be effective for blood pressure (BP) control, but a comparison of the effectiveness and application of these types of interventions has not yet been systematically evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of digital health interventions according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifications of patients in terms of BP control, lifestyle behaviour changes, and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in LMICs. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, comprised of adults (≥18 years old) with hypertension and the intervention consisted of digital health interventions according to WHO's classifications for patients in LMICs between January 1, 2009, and July 17, 2023. We excluded RCTs that considered patients with hypertension comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension-mediated target organ damage (HMTOD). The references were downloaded into Mendeley Desktop and imported into the Rayyan web tool for deduplication and screening. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data extraction was done according to Cochrane's guidelines. The main outcome measures were mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and BP control which were assessed using the random-effect DerSimonian-Laird and Mantel-Haenszel models. We presented the BP outcomes, lifestyle behaviour changes and medication adherence in forest plots as well as summarized them in tables. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023424227. Findings: We identified 9322 articles, of which 22 RCTs from 12 countries (n = 12,892 respondents) were included in the systematic review. The quality of the 22 studies was graded as high risk (n = 7), had some concerns (n = 3) and low risk of bias (n = 12). A total of 19 RCTs (n = 12,418 respondents) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, digital health intervention had significant reductions in SBP [mean difference (MD) = -4.43 mmHg (95% CI -6.19 to -2.67), I2 = 92%] and BP control [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 (95% CI 1.64-2.94), I2 = 78%], respectively, compared with usual care. A subgroup analysis revealed that short message service (SMS) interventions had the greatest statistically significant reduction of SBP [MD = -5.75 mm Hg (95% Cl -7.77 to -3.73), I2 = 86%] compared to mobile phone calls [MD = 3.08 mm Hg (-6.16 to 12.32), I2 = 87%] or smartphone apps interventions [MD = -4.06 mm Hg (-6.56 to -1.55), I2 = 79%], but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). The meta-analysis showed that the interventions had a significant effect in supporting changes in lifestyle behaviours related to a low salt diet [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 1.25; (95% CI 0.64-1.87), I2 = 89%], physical activity [SMD = 1.30; (95% CI 0.23-2.37), I2 = 94%] and smoking reduction [risk difference (RR) = 0.03; (95% CI 0.01-0.05), I2 = 0%] compared to the control group. In addition, improvement in medication adherence was statistically significant and higher in the intervention group than in the control group [SMD = 1.59; (95% CI 0.51-2.67), I2 = 97%]. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that digital health interventions may be effective for BP control, changes in lifestyle behaviours, and improvements in medication adherence in LMICs. However, we observed high heterogeneity between included studies, and only two studies from Africa were included. The combination of digital health interventions with clinical management is crucial to achieving optimal clinical effectiveness in BP control, changes in lifestyle behaviours and improvements in medication adherence. Funding: None.

Patient compliance for metabolic evaluation and medical treatment (CoMET) in calcium-oxalate stone patients: prospective study by EULIS eCORE study group.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to identify the compliance rates of calcium-oxalate stone patients for metabolic evaluation, diet and medical treatment and also determine the factors that are associated with poor compliance rates. METHODS: This study was conducted by the EULIS eCORE working group prospectively. In the initial visit, demographic and stone-related characteristics were recorded. Patients were suggested metabolic evaluation, dietary advices and medical treatment. Follow-up visit was performed after 3 months and compliance rates were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with poor compliance to metabolic evaluation, diet and medical treatment. RESULTS: Data of 346 patients from nine centers were analyzed. Compliance rates were 71.7%, 65.3%, and 63.7% for metabolic evaluation, diet, and medical treatment, respectively. In multivariate analysis, level of education (p = 0.003), history of emergency department visit (p = 0.04), number of stone surgeries (p = 0.03), patient care in dedicated stone clinic (p = 0.03), and history of shock wave lithotripsy (p = 0.005) were detected as independent predictors of compliance to metabolic analysis. Level of education (p < 0.001) and history of emergency department visit (p = 0.01) were detected as independent predictors of patient compliance to diet. Number of stone episodes (p = 0.03), family history of stones (p = 0.02), and polypharmacy (p < 0.001) were detected as independent predictors of patient compliance to medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patient compliance to metabolic evaluation, diet, and medical therapy is important for successful management of urolithiasis. Dietary advices and medications should be personalized by taking in to account the factors associated with poor compliance.

Predictors of adherence to controller medication in urban African American emerging adults with uncontrolled persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND: African American emerging adults tend to have low adherence to asthma controller medication, as well as a disproportionate burden of asthma morbidity and mortality. This study explored constructs from the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model as predictors of controller medication adherence in urban African Americans ages 18-29 (N=152) with uncontrolled asthma using multiple measures of self-reported adherence. METHODS: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized mediation model that specified the relationship among psychological distress, substance use, asthma knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, and adherence. RESULTS: Results suggested that motivation is an important predictor of adherence to medication; moreover, higher self-efficacy was associated with higher motivation. Results also highlighted psychological distress as an important intervention target to improve medication adherence in emerging adults. CONCLUSIONS: The model tested in this study may offer a feasible framework for beginning to understand adherence to controller medication in this population.

Study of Adherence to Medication in Pediatric Liver Diseases ("SAMPLD" Study) in Indian Children.

Background/objectives: Adherence to medication(s) is an essential component of holistic management in any chronic disease including in post liver transplant (LT) patients. Thus, this study aimed to assess adherence to medications in Indian pediatric liver disease patients (including post LT recipients) and to identify variables affecting its occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric (<18 years of age) subjects with Wilson disease (WD) and autoimmune liver disease (AILD) along with post LT recipients from May 2021 to October 2021. Structured tools using prevalidated questionnaires (Medication adherence measure and the Child & Adolescent Adherence to Medication Questionnaire) were used to collect data related to nonadherence prevalence (based on missed and late doses) and factors influencing the adherence. Results: A total of 152 children were included in the study (WD 39.5%, AILD 32.9%, and post LT 27.6%). Prevalence of missed and late dose nonadherence (at a cut-off of ≥20%) was 12.5% and 16.4%, respectively. Older age (odd's ratio/O.R 1.185), stay in a rural area (O.R 5.08), and barriers like bad taste of medication (O.R 4.728) and hard to remember the medication (O.R 7.180) were independently associated with nonadherence (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, nonadherence was seen in 12-16%, i.e., around one-sixth of the patients, with least nonadherence seen in post LT recipients (0-2.4%). Older age of the patient, rural place of stay and personal barriers like hard to remember/forgetfulness and bad medication taste were identified as factors independently leading to nonadherence.

Implementing a newly prescribed cardiovascular medicine in daily routine: The patient perspective at readmission to primary care.

BACKGROUND: Readmission to primary care is challenging for patients due to involvement of multiple healthcare providers across different settings and implementing new medicines into their daily routine. Elucidating patients' needs is crucial to tailor counseling support. OBJECTIVE: To explore the patient perspectives on implementing a newly prescribed cardiovascular medicine into their daily routine at readmission to primary care. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed within the outpatient pharmacy. Adult patients who were prescribed a new cardiovascular medicine by their treating hospital physician at hospital discharge or during an outpatient clinic visit were eligible to participate. Purposive sampling was applied to equally distribute adherence-influencing factors. Patients were interviewed by telephone and inclusion continued until theoretical data saturation. An adapted Greenhalgh framework for implementation research was used for a thematic content analysis by conceptualizing the new medicine as an innovation that requires implementation by a patient (adopter). RESULTS: Data saturation was reached at 44 patients of which 19 discontinued their new medicine at the time of the interview. Reasons for discontinuing included: side-effects, insufficient efficacy or negligence. Patients considered a lack of basic knowledge on their newly prescribed cardiovascular medicine as a major barrier for adopting it into their daily routine. They were in need of information on risks and benefits of their new medicine. A noticeable effect and tailored counseling facilitated patients in taking their medicine as prescribed. Patients mentioned personalized organizing tools and routinization of medication intake as important success factors for addressing their practical challenges with their new medicine. CONCLUSIONS: By applying the adapted Greenhalgh framework, this study provided a unique and structured insight in patients' barriers and facilitators that could influence their ability to implement a new cardiovascular medicine at readmission to primary care. This knowledge enables pharmacists to tailor their patient support and provide individualized patient counseling.

Fatores associados a não adesão terapêutica em pessoas com hipertensão que procuraram assistência por emergência / Factors associated with therapeutic non-adherence among hypertensive individuals who seek emergency care / Factores asociados a la no adhesión a la terapia en personas hipertensas que buscan asistencia por emergencias

RESUMO: Objetivo: analisar fatores associados à não adesão terapêutica em pessoas com Hipertensão Arterial que procuraram serviços de pronto atendimento por emergência e/ou complicação hipertensiva. Método: estudo transversal realizado entre dezembro de 2019 a outubro de 2020, com 238 pessoas residentes em um município de médio porte do Sul do Brasil, mediante aplicação da Escala de Adesão Terapêutica de Oito Itens de Morisky. Na análise se utilizou Regressão Logística Múltipla. Resultados: 86 (36,1%) participantes foram considerados não aderentes. Foi observada maior chance de não adesão em pessoas com menos de 60 anos (Odds Ratio=2,04), que buscaram assistência nos serviços de pronto atendimento nos três anos em estudo (Odds Ratio=5,08) e que tinham vínculo com profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde (Odds Ratio=1,96). Conclusão: reconhecer os fatores associados com a não adesão à terapêutica possibilitará aos profissionais realizar intervenções educativas e assistir as pessoas com hipertensão de acordo com suas necessidades, prevenindo/postergando complicações.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze factors associated with therapeutic non-adherence among individuals with Arterial Hypertension who seek emergency care and/or assistance due to hypertensive complications. Method: this is a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2019 to October 2020 with 238 people living in a medium-sized municipality from southern Brazil using Morisky's 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale. Multiple Logistic Regression was used in the analysis. Results: a total of 86 (36.1%) participants were considered as non-adherent. A higher change of non-adherence was observed in people younger than 60 years of age (Odds Ratio=2.04), who sought emergency services in the three years under study (Odds Ratio=5.08), and who had a bond with Primary Health Care professionals (Odds Ratio=1.96). Conclusion: acknowledging the factors associated with non-adherence to the therapy will allow professionals to conduct educational interventions and assist people with hypertension according to their needs, thus preventing/postponing complications.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar factores asociados a la no adhesión a la terapia en personas con Hipertensión Arterial que asisten a servicios de urgencia por emergencias y/o complicaciones derivadas de la hipertensión. Método: estudio transversal realizado entre diciembre de 2019 y octubre de 2020 con 238 residentes en un municipio de mediano porte del sur de Brasil, utilizando la Escala de Adherencia Terapéutica de 8 ítems de Morisky. En el análisis se utilizó Regresión Logística Múltiple. Resultados: se consideró que 86 (36,1%) participantes no cumplían con la terapia. Se observó una mayor probabilidad de no adhesión en personas menores de 60 años (Odds Ratio=2,04), que buscaron asistencia en los servicios de urgencia en los tres años en estudio (Odds Ratio=5,08) y que tenían una relación con profesionales de Atención Primaria de la Salud (Odds Ratio=1,96). Conclusión: reconocer los factores asociados a la no adhesión a la terapia permitirá que los profesionales realicen intervenciones educativas y asistan a las personas con hipertensión arterial según sus necesidades, previniendo/posponiendo complicaciones.

Assessing adherence to medications: Is there a difference between a subjective method and an objective method, or between using them concurrently?

Background: Patients’ adherence to medication can be assessed by several subjective or objective methods. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has recommended the use of both measures simultaneously. Objective: To assess patients’ adherence to medication using a subjective or an objective method separately, and via using a combination of both methods. As well as identifying the degree of agreement between the two methods. Methods: Participants who met the study inclusion criteria completed the Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ). A retrospective audit was conducted in order to extract pharmacy refill records for the previous twelve months. The patients’ pharmacy refill records were expressed using the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. The degree of agreement was determined by Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ). Results: In terms of the difference in the ability of each method to identify non-adherent patients, a higher percentage of non-adherent patients were identified using the self-reported AAMQ (61.4%) compared to the pharmacy refill records (34.3%). When both methods, in combination, were used to assess adherence, the percentage of non-adherent patients was 80.0%, which is higher than each method when used separately. Twenty percent of the patients were considered adherent on both assessment methods, while 15.7% were considered non-adherent via both methods. Consequently, the AAMQ and pharmacy refill records agreed on 35.7% of the patients. The degree of agreement analysis showed a low correlation between the two methods. Conclusion: The combination strategy resulted in a higher percentage of non-adherent patients, compared to using a subjective (the AAMQ) or an objective (the pharmacy refill records) method. The GINA guideline proposition may be supported by the present study’s findings. (AU)

Development and validation of the Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ).

Background: Adherence to medication is the cornerstone to achieve the best treatment outcome. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals found in a pivotal position to assess asthmatic patients' adherence to medication. A brief, reliable, and valid measure of patients adherence to mediations is useful to enable the pharmacists to deliver that vital service. Objective: To develop a reliable and valid adherence assessment tool for asthmatic patients. Methods: The Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ-13) was developed based on an extensive literature review, followed by applying the Delphi technique, and then it was pilot-tested by 55 patients. The final AAMQ-13 was completed by 213 patients. Psychometric evaluation was assessed including reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity. Results: The AAMQ-13 is a feasible 13-item questionnaire, as it can be completed within an average of two minutes. It has high reliability (Cronbach's alpha= 0.87). Criterion-concurrent validity was established by comparing the AAMQ-13 to the Test of the Adherence to Inhaler (TAI) and the pharmacy refill records. Criterion-convergent validity was established by comparing the AAMQ-13 to the Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire and the Positive Health Behaviors Scale (PHBS). Construct validity was established through AAMQ-13 factor analysis which revealed two factors explaining 51.76% of the total variance. Conclusion: The AAMQ-13 is a reliable and valid questionnaire with several desirable characteristics as it has high reliability, good criterion validity, and strong construct validity. The AAMQ-13 is a suitable questionnaire that can identify non-adherent patients and reveal the reasons behind their non-adherence : Asthma; Adherence to medication; Compliance; Questionnaire; Self-report; Scale; Survey.

Practice of antiplatelet therapy in acute myocardial infarction / A thrombocytaaggregáció-gátló kezelés gyakorlata heveny szívinfarktusban

Introduction: In patients who have survived myocardial infarction, platelet aggregation inhibitor (TAG) treatment plays an important role in preventing recurrent ischemic events. Objective: to investigate the proportion of patients who received aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor during the hospitalization and the proportion of patients who continued taking the recommended therapy during follow-up. All patients treated for myocardial infarction who had a medical ID number were included in the study. Results: 16 273 patients had ST-elevation (STEMI) and 20 305 patients had non-ST-elevation (NSTEMI) infarction. 80% of patients were hypertensive. Diabetes mellitus (35%) and impaired renal function (30%) were demonstrated in one in three patients. The TAG treatment recommendation was analysed in 36 578 patients who left the hospital. Clopidogrel 12.7%, prasugrel 4.3%, ticagrelor, 93.9%, 77.7%, 8.3% and 3.2% were found in the NSTEMI group. For medicines available under special conditions (prasugrel, ticagrelor), there were significant differences between cen­tres: the proposal varied between 1.2­4.3% for prasugrel and 0.3­10.8% for ticagrelor. Drug switching events were monitored using the National Institute of Health Insurance Fund database. Pharmacovigilance data were available for 29 405 patients. We considered the longest period in the adherence study, and the grace period was 2 months. Adherence durations were processed using a standard survival analysis toolkit (Kaplan­Meier method). At 1 year after the first switch, 76.1%, 78.3%, and 80.9% of the patients in clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor were adherents to the recommended treatment. Conclusion: The frequency of use of certain antiplatelet drugs varies significantly across different intervention centres. More than three-quarters of the patients are adherent to treatment 1 year after starting treatment.

Identifying Patterns of Self-Reported Nonadherence Using Network Analysis in a Mixed German Cohort.

Purpose: Nonadherence is a complex behaviour that contributes to poor health outcomes; therefore, it is necessary to understand its underlying structure. Network analysis is a novel approach to explore the relationship between multiple variables. Patients and Methods: Patients from four different studies (N = 1.746) using the self-reported Stendal Adherence to Medication Score (SAMS) were pooled. Network analysis using EBICglasso followed by confirmatory factor analysis were performed to understand how different types of nonadherence covered in the SAMS items are related to each other. Results: Network analysis revealed different categories of nonadherence: lack of knowledge about medication, forgetting to take medication, and intentional modification of medication. The intentional modification can further be sub-categorized into two groups, with one group modifying medication based on changes in health (improvement of health or adverse effects), whereas the second group adjusts medication based on overall medication beliefs and concerns. Adverse effects and taking too many medications were further identified as most influential variables in the network. Conclusion: The differentiation between modification due to health changes and modification due to overall medication beliefs is crucial for intervention studies. Network analysis is a promising tool for further exploratory studies of adherence.

Development and validation of the Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ)

Background: Adherence to medication is the cornerstone to achieve the best treatment outcome. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals found in a pivotal position to assess asthmatic patients’ adherence to medication. A brief, reliable, and valid measure of patients adherence to mediations is useful to enable the pharmacists to deliver that vital service. Objective: To develop a reliable and valid adherence assessment tool for asthmatic patients. Methods: The Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ-13) was developed based on an extensive literature review, followed by applying the Delphi technique, and then it was pilot-tested by 55 patients. The final AAMQ-13 was completed by 213 patients. Psychometric evaluation was assessed including reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity. Results: The AAMQ-13 is a feasible 13-item questionnaire, as it can be completed within an average of two minutes. It has high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.87). Criterion-concurrent validity was established by comparing the AAMQ-13 to the Test of the Adherence to Inhaler (TAI) and the pharmacy refill records. Criterion-convergent validity was established by comparing the AAMQ-13 to the Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire and the Positive Health Behaviors Scale (PHBS). Construct validity was established through AAMQ-13 factor analysis which revealed two factors explaining 51.76% of the total variance. Conclusion: The AAMQ-13 is a reliable and valid questionnaire with several desirable characteristics as it has high reliability, good criterion validity, and strong construct validity. The AAMQ-13 is a suitable questionnaire that can identify non-adherent patients and reveal the reasons behind their non-adherence. (AU)

Pseudoresistance in idiopathic/genetic generalized epilepsies - Definitions, risk factors, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine risk factors associated with pseudoresistance in a large, representative cohort of patients with Idiopathic/Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE) and the impact of pseudoresistance on socioeconomic parameters. METHODS: We performed a literature review on definitions of pseudoresistance in IGE. In an established cohort of patients with IGE from Funen, patients with current or previous pseudoresistant seizures were retrospectively identified based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patients' medical records and direct patient contact, if required. In addition, clinical characteristics, socioeconomic, and demographic data were assessed. Personal interviews were used to determine the brief version of Barratts (BIS-8) impulsivity score. RESULTS: The literature review provided the following definition of pseudoresistance: Seizures due to (I) lacking adherence to antiseizure medication (ASM), (II) incompliance to general rule of conduct, (III) psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), (IV) inadequate choice of ASM/dosage, and (V) incorrect classification of epilepsy. Applying criteria I-III to a cohort of patients with IGE (n = 499), 73 patients (14.6%) were currently pseudoresistant and 62 (12.4%) were previously pseudoresistant, but currently seizure free. Current pseudoresistance was associated with younger age, drug/alcohol abuse, lower rate of full-time employment, and higher BIS-8 scores. We found no associations of pseudoresistance with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, psychiatric disease, specific seizure types, or number of seizure types. Patients with previously pseudoresistant seizures have tried more ASMs and were characterized by male preponderance, higher BIS-8, and higher rates of abuse. Surrogate markers for social outcome did not differ. SIGNIFICANCE: In IGE, pseudoresistance may be defined as PNES or insufficient adherence to medication/conduct and is associated with younger age, drug/alcohol abuse, and higher scores for impulsivity. If transient, its impact on socioeconomic status remains limited but may be associated with a risk of overtreatment with ASM.

Assessing adherence to medications: Is there a difference between a subjective method and an objective method, or between using them concurrently?

Background: Patients' adherence to medication can be assessed by several subjective or objective methods. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has recommended the use of both measures simultaneously. Objective: To assess patients' adherence to medication using a subjective or an objective method separately, and via using a combination of both methods. As well as identifying the degree of agreement between the two methods. Methods: Participants who met the study inclusion criteria completed the Adherence to Asthma Medication Questionnaire (AAMQ). A retrospective audit was conducted in order to extract pharmacy refill records for the previous twelve months. The patients' pharmacy refill records were expressed using the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. The degree of agreement was determined by Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). Results: In terms of the difference in the ability of each method to identify non-adherent patients, a higher percentage of non-adherent patients were identified using the self-reported AAMQ (61.4%) compared to the pharmacy refill records (34.3%). When both methods, in combination, were used to assess adherence, the percentage of non-adherent patients was 80.0%, which is higher than each method when used separately. Twenty percent of the patients were considered adherent on both assessment methods, while 15.7% were considered non-adherent via both methods. Consequently, the AAMQ and pharmacy refill records agreed on 35.7% of the patients. The degree of agreement analysis showed a low correlation between the two methods. Conclusion: The combination strategy resulted in a higher percentage of non-adherent patients, compared to using a subjective (the AAMQ) or an objective (the pharmacy refill records) method. The GINA guideline proposition may be supported by the present study's findings.

The influence of patient expectations on adherence to treatment regimen after myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: In-hospital patient education is one of the elements affecting patient adherence to treatment regimen after myocardial infarction (MI). Its effectiveness is determined by educator and patient-dependent factors. Previous studies did not identify patient expectations as an independent determinant of successful education. The aim of this study was to assess whether patient knowledge and expectations affect adherence to treatment regimen in a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a single-center, cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Patient knowledge and expectations were evaluated using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS scale). Medication adherence (including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), P2Y12 receptor inhibitors and statins) was verified based on prescription refill data extracted from The National Health Fund database. RESULTS: The study included 225 patients aged 30-91 years (mean age 62.9 ± 11.9 years). In the 4th quarter of follow-up, patients with the highest expectations had lower adherence regarding ACEI (p = 0.01), P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (p = 0.03) and the combination of all three analysed medications (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The initial results suggest presence of a relationship between patient expectations and long-term adherence to treatment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Post-MI patient education directed at fulfilling or modification of patient expectations could possibly improve execution of treatment regimen.

Monitoramento avançado de enfermagem: pacientes de risco na atenção primária / Monitoreo avanzado de enfermería: pacientes de riesgo en atención primaria / Advanced nursing monitoring: At-risk patients in Primary Care

Resumo Objetivo avaliar o efeito do monitoramento de enfermagem avançado em relação ao usual para identificação do risco cardiovascular e renal, adesão medicamentosa e prática de exercícios na atenção primária à saúde. Método estudo quantitativo, quase-experimental desenvolvido na Atenção primária. Em relação a intervenção, foram consultas de enfermagem trimestrais de monitoramento avançado e laboratorial trimestral. Para coleta de dados, aplicou-se questionário sociodemográfico, escala Morisky e Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Resultados sexo feminino predominou nos dois grupos intervenção e controle (62,79% vs. 76,74%). O percentual de pacientes sem risco cardiovascular do grupo intervenção superou o grupo controle da consulta 1 para consulta 3, (0,00% - 25,58% vs. 6,98 - 2,33). Adesão medicamentosa máxima, ao longo do tempo, foi superior no grupo intervenção comparado ao grupo controle (48,8% vs. 23,3%). O risco cardiovascular dos usuários interferiu na atividade física de forma significativa no grupo intervenção e controle (p=0,0261 vs. 0,0438). Conclusões e implicações para a prática a monitorização avançada possibilitou uma melhor identificação de pacientes de risco e orientações aos pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos com risco cardiovascular e renal, o que favoreceu o monitoramento avançado e contribuiu ao autogerenciamento da prática de exercícios e adesão medicamentosa, a partir de consultas de enfermagem.

Resumen Objetivo evaluar el efecto de la monitorización avanzada de enfermería frente a la habitual para identificar el riesgo cardiovascular y renal, la adherencia a la medicación y la práctica del ejercicio en la atención primaria de salud. Método estudio cuasiexperimental cuantitativo desarrollado en Atención Primaria. En cuanto a la intervención, se realizaron consultas de enfermería trimestrales para seguimiento avanzado y laboratorio trimestral. Para la recopilación de datos se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, escala de Morisky y Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física. Resultados el género femenino predominó tanto en el grupo de intervención como en el de control (62,79% vs 76,74%). El porcentaje de pacientes sin riesgo cardiovascular en el grupo de intervención superó al grupo de control desde la cita 1 hasta la cita 3 (0,00% - 25,58% frente a 6,98 - 2,33). La adherencia máxima al fármaco, a lo largo del tiempo, fue mayor en el grupo de intervención en comparación con el grupo de control (48,8% frente a 23,3%). El riesgo cardiovascular de los usuarios interfirió significativamente con la actividad física en los grupos de intervención y control (p = 0,0261 frente a 0,0438). Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica la monitorización avanzada permitió identificar mejor a los pacientes en riesgo y orientar a los pacientes hipertensos y diabéticos con riesgo cardiovascular y renal, lo que favoreció el monitoreo avanzado y contribuyó al autocontrol de la práctica de ejercicio y la adherencia a la medicación, desde las consultas de enfermería.

Abstract Objective to evaluate the effect of advanced versus usual Nursing monitoring to identify cardiovascular and renal risk, adherence to medication and practice of physical exercise in Primary Health Care. Method a quantitative and quasi-experimental study developed in Primary Care. In relation to the intervention, there were quarterly Nursing advanced monitoring consultations and quarterly laboratory control. For data collection, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Morisky scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were applied. Results the female gender predominated both in the intervention and in the control group (62.79% vs. 76.74%). The percentage of patients without cardiovascular risk in the intervention group exceeded the control group from consultation 1 to consultation 3 (0.00% - 25.58% vs. 6.98 - 2.33). Maximum adherence to medication, over time, was higher in the intervention group when compared to the control group (48.8% vs. 23.3%). The users' cardiovascular risk significantly interfered with physical activity in the intervention and control groups (p=0.0261 vs. 0.0438). Conclusions and implications for the practice advanced monitoring enabled better identification of at-risk patients and guidelines for the hypertensive and diabetic patients at cardiovascular and renal risk, which favored advanced monitoring and contributed to self-management of the practice of physical exercise and adherence to medication, based on Nursing consultations.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by adults living with HIV/aids: a cross-sectional study / Adhesión a la terapia antirretroviral de adultos viviendo con VIH/sida: un estudio transversal / Adesão à terapia antirretroviral de adultos vivendo com HIV/aids: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between adherence to antiretroviral treatment by adults with HIV/AIDS and sociodemographic factors, social and clinical support. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach. Participation of 230 patients. Questionnaires of sociodemographic characterization, social and clinical support, and assessment of adherence to antiretroviral treatment were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results: Adherence was classified as good/adequate. An association with sex, income, employment, and level of education was noted. In social support: having access to health services; communication with health professionals; health education; having support to allow venting/talking about issues; information on HIV/AIDS; and company for leisure. In the clinical profile: non-interruption of the drug treatment due to absence from the service or due to changes in the medical prescription. Conclusion: Adherence was classified as good/adequate and especially associated with social support factors, which should be enhanced in clinical practice.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la relación entre la adhesión al tratamiento antirretroviral de adultos con VIH/SIDA y los factores sociodemográficos, apoyo social y clínico. Método: Estudio transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo. Participaron 230 pacientes. Utilizaron encuestas de caracterización sociodemográfica, apoyo social, clínico y evaluación de la adhesión al tratamiento antirretroviral. Realizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: La adhesión fue clasificada como buena/adecuada. Percibió relación con el sexo, renta, empleo y nivel de instrucción. En el apoyo social: ter acceso al servicio de salud; comunicación con los profesionales de salud; educación en salud; recibir apoyo para desahogar/conversar; información sobre VIH/SIDA; y compañía para el ocio. En el perfil clínico: no dejar de tomar los medicamentos por ausencia en el servicio o por alteración en la prescripción médica. Conclusión: La adhesión fue clasificada como buena/adecuada y relacionada, especialmente, a los factores de apoyo social, los cuales deben ser potencializados en la práctica clínica.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre a adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral de adultos com HIV/aids e os fatores sociodemográficos, apoio social e clínico. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 230 pacientes. Utilizaram-se questionários de caracterização sociodemográfica, apoio social, clínico e avaliação da adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: A adesão foi classificada como boa/adequada. Percebeu associação com o sexo, renda, emprego e nível de instrução. No apoio social: ter acesso ao serviço de saúde; comunicação com os profissionais de saúde; educação em saúde; receber apoio para desabafar/conversar; informação sobre HIV/aids; e companhia para o lazer. No perfil clínico: não deixar de tomar os medicamentos por ausência no serviço ou por alteração na prescrição médica. Conclusão: A adesão foi classificada como boa/adequada e associada, especialmente, aos fatores de apoio social, os quais devem ser potencializados na prática clínica.

Factors That Influence Adherence to Medication in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD).

Objective: Innovative operative and interventional procedures have improved survival in congenital heart disease (CHD), and today more than 90% of these children reach adulthood. Consequently, adherence and psychosocial issues are becoming increasingly important because non-adherence to treatment recommendations worsens morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify factors modifying adherence to medication in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 451 outpatients (female 47.9%, average age ± SD: 37.9 ± 12 years) from the ACHD department, who completed a questionnaire assessing medication non-adherence and individual barriers to treatment. Further assessments included psychological well-being (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; HADS), childhood traumatization, sociodemographic, and clinical data. Binary logistic regression analysis calculated the impact of these factors on drug adherence. Results: Of the 451 patients 162 participants (35.9%) reported to be non-adherent. In univariate analysis non-adherence to treatment was associated with smoking (P = < 0.001) and internet addiction (P = 0.005). Further factors negatively influencing adherence were the presence of depressive symptoms (P = 0.002), anxiety (P = 0.004), and childhood traumatization (p = 0.002). Factors positively associated with adherence were older age (P = 0.003) and more advanced heart disease as indicated by NYHA class (P = 0.01), elevated NT-proBNP (P = 0.02), device therapy (P = 0.002) and intermittent arrhythmias (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis especially psychopathological factors such as depression (P = 0.009), anxiety (P = 0.032) and childhood traumatization (P = 0.006) predicted non-adherence. Conclusion: Adherence is a critical issue in the long-term management of ACHD. Identifying modifiable factors that worsen adherence offers the opportunity for targeted interventions. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and adverse childhood experiences are amenable to psychosocial interventions, as well as cigarette smoking. Our study suggests that a multimodal and interdisciplinary treatment concept for the long-term management of adults with congenital heart disease could be beneficial. Whether it will further improve morbidity and mortality, should be assessed in prospective interventions.