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Medication adherence in crisis?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sangahalli Sreenath, Dr Mary Tacchi, Emeritus Professor Jan Scott

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Abstract

Aims and method: We examined rates of medication non-adherence in 172 referrals to a crisis resolution home treatment service; we then explored any association between pattern of adherence and the treatment interventions recommended. Results: Thirty percent of crisis referrals (95% confidence intervals (CI) 24%, 38%) reported suboptimal medication adherence in the preceding month. These individuals were significantly more likely to have a dual diagnosis (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.4, 5.9) and assessment was significantly more likely to be followed by admission (odds ratio 2.5; 95% CI 1.0, 6.2); non-adherence remained a significant predictor of admission when the odds were adjusted for confounders (odds ratio 1.18; 95% CI 1.0, 1.3). Clinical implications: Clinicians need to proactively identify and manage non-adherence as it is a potentially preventable trigger of relapse often present for months rather than days prior to the index crisis referral. Non-adherence is a meaningful target for improving clinical and cost-effectiveness of general adult mental health services.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Sreenath S, Reddy S, Tacchi MJ, Scott J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Mental Health

Year: 2010

Volume: 19

Issue: 5

Pages: 470-474

Print publication date: 01/10/2010

ISSN (print): 0963-8237

ISSN (electronic): 1360-0567

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2010.492416

DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2010.492416

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