Evaluation of a pilot study to influence medication adherence of patients with diabetes mellitus type-2 by the pharmacy.
BACKGROUND
Interventions aimed to increase adherence to drug treatment usually are not tailored to the needs of individual patients. A modular pharmacy intervention, named 'Support for Diabetes', was developed to improve adherence to type 2 diabetes treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the implementation of a new care intervention by using focus groups including pharmacy teams, and assess patient satisfaction.


METHODS
Community pharmacies in The Netherlands.


METHODS
The intervention comprises a structured patient interview, an intervention guide and modular interventions tailored to the underlying cause of non-adherence. Feasibility was studied in non-adherent type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and evaluated by means of focus group interviews with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Topics included practicability of the patient selection procedure, patient interviews, materials developed for the intervention and general practitioner (GP) co-operation. Patients' experiences (n = 36) were assessed by means of a questionnaire.


METHODS
Feasibility of the intervention and patients' satisfaction.


RESULTS
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians considered the intervention feasible and appreciated its pro-active approach. Involvement of pharmacy technicians proved a stimulating factor. Poor co-operation with GPs and lack of time as well as financial compensation were interfering factors. Patients appreciated the intervention and reported to follow the advice of pharmacists.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'Support for Diabetes' intervention is feasible to implement in pharmacy practice. Poor co-operation between pharmacists and GPs and lack of re-imbursement are obstructions for implementation on a wider scale. These issues should receive attention of pharmacists, policymakers and researchers.
Department of General Practice, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Prem
P
Adhien
Liset
L
van Dijk
Marinke
M
de Vegter
Marnix
M
Westein
Giel
G
Nijpels
Jacqueline G
JG
Hugtenburg
D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017144:Focus Groups; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009426:Netherlands; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents