Pharmacist intervention in cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial

We aimed to determine to what extent a telephone-based pharmacist intervention would (a) be utilized by individuals not attending a traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program and (b) facilitate adherence to cardiovascular medications.

We conducted a randomized, controlled open-label trial among patients eligible for CR in Saskatoon, Canada. Patients were invited to participate in telephone-based CR, regardless of participation in the formal program. Subjects in the intervention group were assessed by the CR pharmacist and received education and counseling on medication adherence. The primary endpoint was adherence to cardiovascular medication assessed by electronic filling records over a minimum of 6 months. Mean adherence was expected to reach 70% during the followup period.

Patient recruitment was halted early because of low enrollment. Of the 95 patients randomized, 90% had also registered in the traditional CR program. During the followup period, 129 telephone interactions were performed (median, 2 calls), with every subject taking part in at least 1 interaction. Over the study period, the mean adherence to all recently initiated cardiovascular medications combined was 88.8% in the intervention group and 89.9% in the usual care group (P = .73).

Participation in traditional CR programs does not appear to be influenced by the availability of telephone-based education and support. Furthermore, the high rate of adherence among the control group may suggest that CR programs are attracting "healthy adherers" who volunteer for such programs, while missing those with the greatest need for health care system resources.