Influence of Adherence Packaging on a Hypertensive Population’s Medication Adherence Habits and Blood Pressure

Amanda Wolfe,* Gretchen Garofoli, Kimberly Kelly, Bryce Adams, Kylin Park and Emma Schutt, Waterfront Family Pharmacy, Morgantown, WV 26501

Field (Broad Category): Pharmaceutical Sciences (Health Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Exercise Physiology 

The aims of this study are to 1) to improve and measure adherence in patients with hypertension after the implementation of a multi-med, multi-dose blister pack adherence system in a community pharmacy setting and 2) to assess change in systolic blood pressure. This prospective, non-controlled, interventional, feasibility study will be completed at a single pharmacy. Individuals 45 years or older, fill their prescriptions at the study site, take more than 1 blood pressure medication, and take more than 5 medications on a daily basis will be included in this study. Individuals not enrolled in the adherence packaging will be excluded from the study. At the time of enrollment, participants will receive a survey to assess self-reported adherence behaviors and will have a baseline blood pressure measured and recorded. After enrolling in the Dispill program, blood pressure will be assessed at each refill pick-up for a 3-month period to examine change after adherence packaging is implemented. Medication fill dates will be analyzed. A post-survey will be given to all participants to assess change in self-reported adherence behaviors at the end of the 3- month study period. Participants will be individually interviewed using set questions and an audio recording device to assess perceptions regarding the blister packs and general medication adherence at the end of the 3-month enrollment period. Quantitative and qualitative analyses will be completed at the end of the study. Quantitative analyses will consist of a chi-squared and T-test. Grounded theory analysis will be used for qualitative analysis. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: My efforts were mainly voluntary