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Measuring medication adherence
Jason Cooper1, Lakevia Hall, Angel Penland
1Accordant Health Services, a CVS Caremark Company, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407, USA. Jason.Cooper@caremark.com
Population Health Management
|February 17, 2009
Summary
A standardized method for measuring medication adherence rates using the medication possession ratio (MPR) was developed. This practical approach addresses a critical gap in healthcare management, improving outcomes and reducing costs.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Poor medication adherence significantly increases illness severity, mortality, and healthcare expenses.
- A lack of standardized, practical measurement tools for medication adherence hinders effective health management.
- The Care Continuum Alliance (CCA) convened a clinical workgroup to address this measurement gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and standardize a methodology for measuring medication adherence rates.
- To establish a practical and comprehensive approach to assessing adherence in diverse populations.
- To validate the developed methodology through real-world testing and data analysis.
Main Methods:
- A clinical workgroup reviewed literature, incorporated expertise, and reached consensus on measurement techniques.
- The medication possession ratio (MPR) was selected as the standardized metric for measuring medication adherence.
- Accordant Health Services tested the MPR methodology using 2007 data from health plan and employer group populations.
Main Results:
- Condition-specific MPRs for health plan populations ranged from 78.9% to 83.6%.
- Condition-specific MPRs for employer group populations ranged from 75.4% to 76.5%.
- Results demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the MPR methodology within the 95% confidence interval.
Conclusions:
- A standardized MPR methodology provides a practical tool for measuring medication adherence.
- This standardized approach can support improved health management and potentially reduce healthcare costs.
- The developed guidelines were approved for inclusion in the CCA's Outcomes Guidelines Report.
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