Variation in pharmacy prescription refill adherence measures by type of oral antihyperglycaemic drug therapy in seniors in Nova Scotia, Canada

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00411.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T04:34:15Z
• Authors: B. A. Morningstar; I. S. Sketris; G. C. Kephart; D. A. Sclar
• Keywords: Nova scotia; Medicare Part D; Odds

Objective: To examine the association between pharmacy prescription refill adherence by type of oral antihyperglycaemic medications used in seniors Nova Scotia, Canada. Research design and methods: Pharmacy health care utilization data from April 1993 to March 1996 for Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare beneficiaries treated with 1st 2nd generation sulphonylureas biguanides was analysed. Refill quantified two proportions: number days had a medication surplus compared total period observation gaps treatment observation. Analysis examined agent dosing on adherence, after adjustment age, gender hospital use. Results: A 3358 met study criteria. The mean rate [continuous multiple-interval measure availability (CMA)] 86 ± 0·4% SE continuous (CMG) 16 SE. Use associated lower odds having surplus. use biguanides, agents dosage frequency more than one dose per day gaps. Conclusions: Many taking adhered well prescribed therapy. proportion not covered averaged 16%. Beneficiaries once were likely have good adherence. Further work is needed compare rates other measures clinical outcomes. These methods are useful establishing baseline monitoring success programmes designed improve determining cost-effectiveness drug regimens.