Clinical Pharmacist Led Approach on Enhancement of Medication Adherence Resolving the Drug Related Problems with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors among the Patients with Psychiatric Illness. A Prospective, Pre and Post Non-Randomised Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Non-adherence is one of the most common barriers to the successful completion of treatment and it can be worst in psychiatric patients. Objectives: To assess, compare and resolve drug-related problems and medication adherence among psychiatric patients with SSRI and to assess the association between non-adherence and drug-related problems. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized interventional study 90 psychiatry patients which were on SSRI treatment of both gender, aged more than 18 years were included. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to enrol in the study. Results: Out of 90 patients enrolled, 51 (56.7%) patients reported DRPs and after pharmacist intervention, it was reduced to 26 (28.9%). Results showed a significant association between drug-related problems and medication adherence. Baseline and follow-up MARS scores are compared and found that there is a significant increase in the adherence score of patients after pharmacist intervention. Conclusion: This study results show that through proper patient education it is possible to improve medication adherence and to optimize medication use, which may reduce the DRPs. It will help eventually help to decrease drug-related morbidity and mortality.