The impact of an appointment-based medication synchronization programme on chronic medication adherence in an adult community pharmacy population

What is known and objectivesNon-adherence to medication regimens is the primary cause of suboptimal clinical benefit in patients with chronic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare adherence to chronic medications among adults participating in Time My Meds (TMM), an appointment-based medication synchronization programme, to patients receiving usual care. MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study that evaluated data from 18 partner community pharmacies in three lower U.S. Midwestern states between January 2013 and May 2015. ResultsDuring the 6-month post-period, PDC0.80 was achieved by 73.53%, 80.41% and 75.00% of usual care patients taking oral diabetes, renin-angiotensin system antagonist (RASA) and statin medications. In comparison, the PDC threshold was achieved by 100%, 97.94% and 97.62% of TMM patients taking oral diabetes, RASA and statin medications (P<.031 in diabetes group and P<.003 in RASA group). The percentage of on-time prescription refills increased from 69.68% to 84.75% in patients with diabetes, 79.04% to 89.56% in the hypertension group and 78.26% to 89.07% in the hyperlipidaemic group. What is new and conclusionAn appointment-based medication synchronization programme in community pharmacies resulted in improved adherence and increased percentage of on-time refills.