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Published on: May 16, 2019
Adherence to antiepilepsy drug therapy
1Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. rfaught@emory.edu
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 27, 2012
Summary
Improving antiepilepsy drug (AED) adherence requires addressing healthcare system barriers, not just patient factors. Strategies include clear communication, education, simpler dosing, and reminders for better epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Adherence Research
Background:
- Effective epilepsy management hinges on consistent antiepilepsy drug (AED) therapy.
- Low adherence and persistence rates present significant challenges in treating epilepsy.
- Existing adherence definitions and measurement methods have limitations in the context of epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges and limitations in measuring AED adherence in epilepsy patients.
- To explore strategies for improving AED adherence and persistence.
- To emphasize the role of healthcare providers and systems in enhancing patient adherence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of adherence definitions and measurement techniques.
- Analysis of barriers to AED adherence and persistence.
- Discussion of interventions to improve adherence.
Main Results:
- Standard adherence metrics (e.g., pill counts, MPR) have unclear applicability to epilepsy.
- Simple adherence scales can facilitate practitioner-patient communication.
- Provider and system-level factors significantly impact adherence more than patient-specific issues.
Conclusions:
- Improving AED adherence necessitates a focus on healthcare system and provider-level interventions.
- Key strategies include non-judgmental communication, patient education, simplified regimens (e.g., once-daily dosing), and reminder systems.
- Addressing these factors can lead to better outcomes in epilepsy management.
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