Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to determine whether 3-month adherence rates differ between antidepressant classes in veterans newly initiated on antidepressant therapy and diagnosed with depression. The secondary objective is to determine if there are differing characteristics between patients with high medication possession ratio (MPR, greater than or equal to 80 percent) and those with low MPR (less than 60 percent). With information regarding adherence rates, we can develop and implement multifaceted interventions for patients prescribed antidepressants with low adherence rates. Potential interventions may include education (patient and provider) as well as increased contact time with the patient.
Methods: A retrospective chart review will be conducted to include a cross-section of specialty mental health patients from one Veteran Affairs facility identified from the Veteran Affairs’ Antidepressant Nonadherence Report.
Inclusion criteria: 18 years old or older, outpatient from date antidepressant prescribed (index date) through 3-month period, newly started on antidepressant, diagnosis of depression at index date, and seen by a specialty mental health provider within 3-month period.
Exclusion criteria: use of antidepressants for indications other than depression, antidepressants prescribed on an “as needed” basis, patients prescribed trazodone as the only antidepressant, cognitive impairment, comorbid serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and patients with previous trial of the active antidepressant.
For the primary objective, data collection points will include MPR and class of antidepressant. For the secondary objective, information collected will include demographic data, Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) score, number and types of psychiatric diagnoses at index date, involvement in psychotherapy within 3-month timeframe, number of mental health visits within 3-month timeframe, and previous antidepressant trial. Patient data will be collected through the Antidepressant Nonadherence Report and the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). The data will be analyzed using inferential statistics.
Results: Not applicable
Conclusion: Not applicable
Hayden Stewart
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX119 Views