Abstract

IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INVOLVEMENT IN IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN HEART FAILURE POPULATION

G. Andhuvan*, V.V.Venkatachalam and V.Sankar

ABSTRACT

Background: Low rates of compliance with medication and disease knowledge is a major challenge to the effective management of most chronic disease, including Heart failure.Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess the medication adherence and disease knowledge of heart failure patients before and after Clinical Pharmacist intervention Methodology: A prospective interventional study was conducted in 1000 bedded multi specialty private hospital to assess the knowledge and medication adherence through pharmacist counseling. The modified Atlanta heart failure knowledge questionnaire and medication adherence Results: The male heart failure population (88%) was predominant compared to females (12%). The 51-70 year age group patients were identified to have lower adherence rate (37.3%) followed by 71-90 year population with 25.3% adherence rate. The level of knowledge had improved from the baseline to follow up after the educational session .The adherence score was obtained at baseline and after 6 months which showed statistically significant improvement*P<0.0001. The major adherence barrier was forgetfulness (63%) under patient related problem and polypharmacy was the major factor under medical related barrier (27.7%).Conclusion: The pharmacist based intervention and counseling improved medication adherence and knowledge in heart failure patients. The major barriers identified can be overcome by continuous intervention by pharmacist especially in a chronic disease like heart failure.

Keywords: Knowledge, Medication adherence, Heart failure.