Improving adherence to medication in stroke survivors (IAMSS): a randomised controlled trial: study protocol.
BACKGROUND
Adherence to therapies is a primary determinant of treatment success, yet the World Health Organisation estimate that only 50% of patients who suffer from chronic diseases adhere to treatment recommendations. In a previous project, we found that 30% of stroke patients reported sub-optimal medication adherence, and this was associated with younger age, greater cognitive impairment, lower perceptions of medication benefits and higher specific concerns about medication. We now wish to pilot a brief intervention aimed at (a) helping patients establish a better medication-taking routine, and (b) eliciting and modifying any erroneous beliefs regarding their medication and their stroke.


METHODS
Thirty patients will be allocated to a brief intervention (2 sessions) and 30 to treatment as usual. The primary outcome will be adherence measured over 3 months using Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) pill containers which electronically record openings. Secondary outcomes will include self reported adherence and blood pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shall also assess uptake/attrition, feasibility, ease of understanding and acceptability of this complex intervention.


BACKGROUND
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38274953.
O'Carroll
Ronan
R
Department of Psychology, Stirling University, Stirling, UK. reo1@stir.ac.uk
Dennis
Martin
M
Johnston
Marie
M
Sudlow
Cathie
C
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000517:prevention & control; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012107:Research Design; D012606:Scotland; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome