Use of a Medication Adherence Electronic Device for Cardiovascular Patients in Underserved Communities

Poor adherence to medication regimens for CVD conditions is a contributing factor to higher rates of morbidity caused by heart disease.  In communities of color and medically underserved communities, there is a higher prevalence of heart disease caused by socioeconomic factors, lifestyle behaviors, social environment, educational and economic opportunities, and less access to health-care services.  Few interventions have been designed to improve adherence to therapy in communities of color and medically underserved communities.  

The purpose of this project is to design and implement a medication therapy management system to help patients with cardiovascular disease in selected underserved populations. The medication adherence system is designed to provide patients with dose-by-dose reminders to take appropriate medications and a communications mechanism for physicians to let them ascertain the exact patient medication regimen. In addition, both patients and physicians have access to training to allow physicians to more readily use the medical adherence system and its data; and for patients to better understand the consequences of their actions.  

We have designed a pilot study to test the efficacy in selected underserved communities of an electronic medication adherence device and a web portal that connects physicians and patients.  We have recruited patients from communities of color who have not historically been participated in such studies.

Our pilot study will help describe the patterns and predictors of adherence with cardiovascular disease patients who are taking statins for hyper-cholesteremia. Effective medication therapy for cardiovascular disease requires daily medication adherence for prolonged periods. Our approach helps patients deal with overall medical regimen complexity. Our approach will reduce this significant barrier to successful adherence. Our preliminary findings suggest that electronic monitoring can be a means of  assessing adherence to cardiovascular medications. Feedback of electronically collected information on dosing intervals to participants may also enhance adherence.