Implementing medication adherence interventions in four Dutch living labs; context matters

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Healthcare Management
• Medication Adherence Research

Background:

• Effective medication adherence interventions exist but face low uptake in routine care.
• Contextual factors are crucial for intervention success but often poorly described.
• This study examines context in living labs implementing medication adherence interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe context-specific characteristics in four living labs before implementing evidence-based medication adherence interventions.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study using 12 individual interviews and 4 focus groups with project leaders and healthcare providers.
• Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains ('inner' and 'outer' setting) to guide interview topics.
• Deductive analysis of transcribed interviews from four Dutch primary care living labs.

Main Results:

• Living labs were pharmacy-driven, innovative, with positive implementation climates and strong leadership.
• High compatibility existed between living labs and interventions.
• Concerns about external policy, particularly lack of reimbursement, were common.

Conclusions:

• Contextual characteristics in these early-adopter living labs illustrate a favorable implementation setting.
• Findings can guide the dissemination of medication adherence interventions to less experienced settings.