Improving Proton-Pump Inhibitor Adherence Intervention Between Primary Care and Community Pharmacies: A Pre-Post...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is crucial for managing upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Poor patient adherence to PPIs frequently results in treatment failure.
• Community pharmacies are accessible points for patient intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical intervention.
• To evaluate a collaborative model between primary care and community pharmacies.
• To enhance PPI adherence in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post intervention study was conducted in Spanish community pharmacies.
• The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) assessed adherence at baseline.
• The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Impact Scale (GIS) measured outcomes post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Over half of patients (50.7%) were initially non-adherent to PPIs.
• A pharmaceutical intervention was provided to 68.5% of non-adherent patients.
• The overall GIS score significantly improved post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The pharmaceutical intervention positively impacted symptom relief and quality of life.
• A collaborative model between primary care and pharmacies is effective.
• This highlights the value of professional pharmaceutical services in improving PPI adherence.