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Published on: December 29, 2023
Improving adherence to medication in stroke survivors: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Ronan E O'Carroll1, Julie A Chambers, Martin Dennis
1Division of Psychology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK, reo1@stir.ac.uk.
Background:
Adherence to preventive medication is often poor, and current interventions have had limited success.
Purpose:
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.
