Primary objective: The optimal treatment adherence rate among patients with stroke is low. This study aims to determine the effect of clinical pharmacists' intervention on treatment adherence and quality of life (QOL) in patients with first-ever stroke.
Research design: This open, controlled, prospective and interventional study was conducted sequentially at two different university hospitals for 3 months. Patients in the intervention group (IG) were provided with clinical pharmacist-led education whereas the control group (CG) only received routine care.
Methods and procedures: Treatment adherence and QOL were assessed on discharge day, and in months 1 and 3 after discharge. Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale were employed to evaluate treatment adherence and QOL, respectively.
Main outcomes and results: Changes in treatment adherence score were higher between discharge day, 1st and 3rd months after discharge in IG than CG (p < 0.001). Regarding 'energy' and 'work/productivity' domains, patients' scores in IG were higher than those from CG at months 1 and 3 after discharge (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist-led education improves treatment adherence in patients with first-ever stroke. The clinical pharmacist might be integrated into the multidisciplinary team to improve QOL and treatment adherence.
Keywords: Clinical pharmacist; patient education; quality of life; stroke; treatment adherence.