Home Delivery of Medications Increases Adherence

Seniors with multiple chronic illnesses who had medications delivered to their homes were more likely to adhere to those therapies than individuals who used retail pharmacies, according to a new study in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP).

Researchers examined adherence among more than 40,000 Medicare patients taking prescriptions for two or more chronic conditions: diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The study used de-identified pharmacy claims data from a large national pharmacy benefits manager between October 2010 and December 2012.

Researchers found that the patients using home delivery were 59% more likely than patients using retail channels to be adherent to their medications.

The importance of taking medications as prescribed was underscored by the study. In populations such as Medicare, two-thirds of beneficiaries have at least two or more chronic conditions requiring treatment with medications. This population accounts for more than 90% of Medicare healthcare spending.

Examining ways to improve medication adherence in patients with comorbidities is warranted, say the study authors who are employees of Express Scripts Holding Company. "Managed care stakeholders should consider the use of home delivery of prescriptions to improve adherence for Medicare Part D patients with comorbid conditions," they conclude.

The study was published in the May 2016 issue of JMCP, the official journal of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. To read "Medication Nonadherence Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Comorbid Chronic Conditions: Influence of Pharmacy Dispensing Channel," visit http://www.jmcp.org.

The Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy publishes peer-reviewed original research manuscripts, subject reviews and other content intended to advance the use of the scientific method, including the interpretation of research findings in managed care pharmacy. It is dedicated to improving the quality of patient care by providing its readers with the results of scientific investigation and evaluation of clinical, health, service and economic outcomes of pharmacy services and pharmaceutical interventions, including formulary management.