Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9192

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Farmer K, Jacobs E.
PILOT STUDY OF THE IMPACT ON PATIENT MEDICATION ADHERENCE BY A COMPANY SPONSORED NEWSLETTER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
1995 Mar; 142:24

Abstract:

The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effect of a company sponsored newsletter compliance program on patient adherence (compliance) with their drug therapy. The study evaluated patients receiving a calcium channel blocker (diltiazem) from an insurance program with prescription benefits in the state of Oklahoma over a two year period. Inclusion criteria for the measurement of a compliance ratio consisted of a minimum of 3 consecutive prescription claims with an identical drug, dose, and regimen. The data consisted of 28,181 claims for diltiazem. Patient-therapies were stratified by those who received the Cardisense-Marion Merrell Dow Inc. Newsletter (treatment), and patient drug regimens who did not receive the newsletter (control) during the evaluation period. The treatment vs. control comparison of the compliance ratio was conducted in addition to a pre and post evaluation of compliance for patients receiving the newsletter. For patients receiving the newsletter, the date the patient enrolled in the program served as the pre/post date for compliance calculation. Pre/post analysis were only conducted on patients receiving sufficient number of claims (3) to calculate both a pre and post compliance ratio. The results of the pilot study indicated that subscribing to a company sponsored newsletter does not seem to significantly affect compliance behavior. The overall compliance ratio for patients (treatment) after receiving the newsletter was 84.8%. The compliance ratio for patients not subscribing to the newsletter was lower (81.53%), however, the difference between the means was not statistically significant. The pre and post analysis of compliance for patients receiving the newsletter showed a minimal increase in the compliance ratio from 84.13% to 84.83%, which also was not statistically significant.