title: Improving adherence to medication in stroke survivors: a pilot randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adherence to preventive medication is often poor, and current interventions have had limited success.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to pilot a randomised controlled trial aimed at increasing adherence to preventive medication in stroke survivors using a brief, personalised intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two stroke survivors were randomly allocated to either a two-session intervention aimed at increasing adherence via (a) introducing a plan linked to environmental cues (implementation intentions) to help establish a better medication-taking routine (habit) and (b) eliciting and modifying any mistaken patient beliefs regarding medication/stroke or a control group. Primary outcome was adherence to antihypertensive medication measured objectively over 3 months using an electronic pill bottle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight people used the pill bottle and were analysed as allocated; 54 completed treatment. The intervention resulted in 10 % more doses taken on schedule (intervention, 97 %; control, 87 %; 95 % CI for difference (0.2, 16.2); p = 0.048).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A simple, brief intervention increased medication adherence in stroke survivors, over and above any effect of increased patient contact or mere measurement.
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK, reo1@stir.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ronan E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: O'Carroll
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Chambers
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dennis
authors.forename: Cathie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sudlow
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents