Recent Approaches to Improve Medication Adherence in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: Progress Towards a Learning Healthcare System

AbstractPurpose of ReviewNon-adherence to medications for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review describes recent advances in promoting adherence to therapies for coronary artery disease (CAD).Recent FindingsTwo large randomized controlled trials to “incentivize” adherence were somewhat disappointing; neither financial incentives nor “peer pressure” successfully increased rates of adherence in the post-MI population. Patient education and provider engagement appear to be critical aspects of improving adherence to CAD therapies, where th e provider is a physician, pharmacist, or nurse and follow-up is performed in person or by telephone. Fixed-dose combinations of CAD medications, formulated as a so-called “polypill,” have shown some early efficacy in increasing adherence. Technological advances that automate monitoring and/or e ncouragement of adherence are promising but seem universally dependent on patient engagement. For example, medication reminders via text message perform better if patients are required to respond. Multifaceted interventions, in which these and other interventions are combined together, appear to be most effective.SummaryThere are several available types of proven interventions through which providers, and the health system at large, can advance patient adherence to CAD therapies. No single intervention to promote adherence will be successful in ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research