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Testing a novel pictorial medication sheet to improve adherence in veterans with heart failure and cognitive

Lee Ann Hawkins1, Christopher J Firek2

  • 1Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN, USA; VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, CA, USA.

Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|June 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pictorial medication sheets improved medication adherence in veterans with heart failure and cognitive impairment. This intervention was well-received, showing preliminary evidence for enhanced complex medication management.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in heart failure (HF) patients, negatively impacting medication adherence.
  • The Veteran's Administration possesses a medication image library, but its efficacy in improving adherence remains untested.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of a pictorial medication sheet in enhancing medication adherence for veterans with HF and CI.
  • To evaluate patient acceptance of this visual aid intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study involving 36 veterans with HF and CI.
  • Participants received pictorial medication sheets and an optional alarmed pillbox.
  • Medication adherence was measured via 30-day pill counts pre- and post-intervention; acceptance was determined through interviews.

Main Results:

  • Of 36 enrolled veterans, 27 (75%) completed the study.
  • While overall adherence was initially poor, a statistically significant improvement was observed post-intervention (p < .05).
  • The intervention demonstrated a moderate effect size (Cohen's d = 0.42).

Conclusions:

  • This pilot study suggests that using medication images can improve adherence to complex medication regimens in veterans with HF and CI.
  • The pictorial medication sheet intervention was positively received by participants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cognitive impairmentHeart failureHospital readmissionMedication adherenceMedication reconciliation

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