[Therapy compliance in cases of hyperlipaemia, as measured through electronic monitors. Is a reminder calendar to avoid forgetfulness effective?].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the efficacy of the intervention with a calendar reminder of the medication taking in the treatment of the hyperlipidemias.


METHODS
Controlled, randomised clinical trial.


METHODS
Twelve clinics at 5 primary care centres, Spain.


METHODS
Two hundred and twenty people diagnosed with hypercholesterolaemia according to Spanish Consensus criteria were chosen.


METHODS
Two groups were formed. The control group (CG) of 110 patients, who received the doctor's normal treatment; and the Intervention group (IG) of 110 patients, who received in addition a calendar remider of medication taking.


METHODS
Meausured of compliance was performed by moniotrs electronic (MEMS) and cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C determined at the start, and at the third and sixth months. Percentages of patients complying (80%-110%), the mean compliance percentage and the degree of control were compared. The reduction of absolute and relative risk (RAR and RRR) and the mean number of people that required an intervention in order to avoid non-compliance (NI) were calculated.


RESULTS
One hundred and eighty eight people (85.45%) completed the survey, 96 in the IG and 92 in the CG; 26.55% were non compliers with the therapy (CI, +/-6.3%) (IG, 10.5%, CI, +/-4.6%; CG, 42.6%, CI, +/-10.1% [P<.0001]). Mean compliance ran at 88,1% (IC, +/-4.6%) overall, at 92% (CI, +/-5.4%) in the IG and at 84% (CI, +/-7.4%) in the IG (P<.05). The RAR was 32.1%, the RRR 75.35%, and the NI was 3.1 patients. The patients with cholesterol controlled ran at 66.7% (CI, +/-9.4%) in the IG and 41.2% in the CG (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The calendar reminder intervention is an efficacious way of improving the percentage of patients complying with lipaemia treatment.
Márquez Contreras
Emilio
E
Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud la Orden, Distrito Huelva-Costa, Huelva, España. emarquezc@papps.org
Casado Martínez
José Joaquín
JJ
Motero Carrasco
Juan
J
Martín de Pablos
José Luis
JL
Chaves González
Rosa
R
Losada Ruiz
Carmen
C
Pastoriza Vilas
José Carlos
JC
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017010:Reminder Systems / Q000295:instrumentation
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents