Dose-dispensing service as an intervention to improve adherence to polymedication

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Jul;6(4):413-21. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2013.811829.

Abstract

Given the importance of high adherence to long-term pharmacotherapy and the growing need to improve medication adherence, choosing the best intervention represents a challenge for healthcare providers. A dose-dispensing service is defined as the repackaging of solid oral medication into dose-dispensing aids by a healthcare provider, mostly in a community pharmacy or hospital pharmacy, in order to assist patients in the management of their polymedication. The personalized dose-dispensing aid organizes individual oral doses according to their prescribed intake schedule throughout the day and the week. This review aims to describe the pros and cons of different dose-dispensing services and technologies, summarizes current evidence and addresses research gaps.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Community Pharmacy Services*
  • Dosage Forms
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Packaging*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pharmacy Service, Hospital*
  • Polypharmacy
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Prescription Drugs / administration & dosage*
  • Reminder Systems*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dosage Forms
  • Prescription Drugs