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Encourage Adherence

Medication adherence is a concern with all therapies but is particularly important with medications prescribed for chronic conditions,1 such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dosing complexity can affect medication adherence for many patients, particularly the elderly and those with co-morbid conditions.2 

Nonadherence to medication regimens can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. For patients who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) or who have had a venous thromboembolism (VTE), medication nonadherence can lead to recurrent VTE and stroke or systemic embolism, respectively.3,4​

The resources below highlight study results and insights into treatment, dosing frequency in patients with CVD, and other factors that may encourage medication adherence in your patients with CVD.

9 resources available

Study results show medication adherence was inversely related to the number of prescribed doses per day, and that once-daily dosing is easier for patients and results in fewer dosing mistakes or missed doses.

Study results show medication adherence was inversely related to the number of prescribed doses per day, and that once-daily dosing is easier for patients and results in fewer dosing mistakes or missed doses, important factors for patients with chronic conditions.

Step-by-step checklist for review when considering transitioning patients from one site of care to the next, to help ensure that appropriate information is shared among healthcare professionals, patients, and their caregivers.

Reviews the drug and food interactions, fluctuations in international normalized ratio (INR) levels, and other attributes of warfarin use, including the possibility of hospitalizations that can lead to increased cost of care for patients.

Patient-oriented information about AF, including symptoms, stroke risk, and tips for working with their healthcare team.

Facts about stroke risk in patients with AF, and a synopsis of guidelines for thromboprophylaxis.

Overview of VTE risk-reduction strategies at each stage of a knee or hip replacement procedure—from preoperative planning through the postdischarge period.

Presents the reasons why patients discontinue or are not-adherent with warfarin.

Reviews the health implications and risks for patients with DVT and/or PE or AF who fall out of INR range as well as resource use and associated costs.

References:

  1. Brown MT, Bussell JK. Medication adherence: WHO cares? Mayo Clin Proc. 2011;86(4):304-314.
  2. Ho PM, Bryson CL, Rumsfeld JS. Medication adherence: its importance in cardiovascular outcomes. Circulation. 2009;119(23):3028-3035.
  3. Prandoni P, Noventa F, Ghirarduzzi A, et al. The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after discontinuing anticoagulation in patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. A prospective cohort study in 1,626 patients. Haematologica. 2007;92(2):199-205.
  4. Ogilvie IM, Newton N, Welner SA, Cowell W, Lip GYH. Underuse of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Am J Med. 2010;123(7):638-645.