Evaluation of software-based telephone counseling to enhance medication persistency among patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a software-supported intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change and motivational interviewing on decreasing discontinuation (or increasing persistency) of Avonex (interferon beta-1a--Biogen), a medication for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Randomized controlled experimental design comparison of software-based telephone counseling (intervention group) and standard care (control group).


METHODS
United States.


METHODS
366 patients with MS.


METHODS
Software-based telephone counseling.


METHODS
Discontinuation of Avonex treatment and movement among stages of the Transtheoretical Model of Change.


RESULTS
Patients in the software intervention group demonstrated a statistically significantly lower proportion of Avonex treatment (1.2%) discontinuation than the standard care group (8.7%). In addition, stage movement away from discontinuation of Avonex (i.e., toward continuation of therapy) was significantly higher in the treatment group.


CONCLUSIONS
The Transtheoretical Model of Change constructs and motivational interviewing processes were effectively incorporated into a software-based intervention program, and this significantly decreased the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment of MS with Avonex. The integration of behavioral theory with information systems offers a promising approach for pharmacists and other providers to promote medication persistency.
Berger
Bruce A
BA
Pharmacy Care Systems, 128 Miller Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5506, USA. bergeba@mail.auburn.edu
Liang
Huigang
H
Hudmon
Karen Suchanek
KS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D012984:Software; D013689:Telephone
D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a