Background: There is limited understanding on the impact of the multidose medication packaging service (MDMPS).
Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate changes in medication adherence in patients using MDMPS compared to patients receiving standard medication packaging (control group). The other objectives were to determine the association between medication adherence and clinical outcomes, and to assess patients'/caregivers' perceptions toward MDMPS.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among primary care patients in Singapore enrolled into MDMPS between 2012 and 2017. Eligible patients were taking at least five chronic medications, diagnosed with Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia and/or Type 2 Diabetes, with prescription records for at least six months before and after the index period. They were matched to control patients based on the type of comorbidities and medication adherence status. Medication Possession Ratio (MPR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) of both groups were compared between baseline and at least six months post-index period. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were also conducted for MDMPS patients.
Results: The MPR of MDMPS patients (n = 100) increased by 0.37% (P < .001) compared to the control group (n = 100). MDMPS patients with diabetes had reduced HbA1c by 0.1% after six months (P = .022) but was not significant after 12 months. No significant changes were seen in blood pressure and LDL-C between both groups. At least 50% of patients were highly satisfied with MDMPS.
Conclusion: MDMPS can improve medication adherence. Further studies are needed to understand its clinical impact.
Keywords: diabetes management; medication adherence; multi-dose medication packaging.