Official Title: “Improving Antipsychotic Adherence Among Patients With Schizophrenia”

This is a randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of a pharmacy-based intervention designed to improve adherence with antipsychotic medications among patients with serious mental illness.

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Open Label, Active Control, Single Group Assignment, Efficacy Study

Background: Anti-psychotic medications are an essential component of the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, pharmacy data indicate that 40% of VA patients with schizophrenia are poorly adherent with their antipsychotics. These patients are at much greater risk for hospitalization. Objectives: We are examining the effectiveness of a practical, pharmacy-based intervention for improving antipsychotic adherence among patients with serious mental illness (SMI). Specifically, we are examining whether this pharmacy-based intervention increases antipsychotic medication adherence and patient satisfaction with care and decreases psychiatric symptoms, and inpatient utilization. We are also examining the relative effectiveness of the pharmacy-based intervention among patients with varying: a) degrees of cognitive limitations, b) degrees of insight into their illness, and c) attitudes towards their medications. Methods: Using pharmacy and administrative data, we are identifying patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or severe bipolar disorder requiring antipsychotic medication who have had poor antipsychotic adherence in the previous year. Patients must have completed at least two outpatient psychiatric visits at one of the study sites. Patients are randomized to: 1) usual care; or 2) the Pharmacy Based intervention. The pharmacy-based intervention consists of usual care plus: 1) "unit-of-use" adherence packaging; 2) a patient education session; 3) refill reminders; and 4) clinician notification of missed fills. In-person patient assessments are conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months following randomization. Medical record and administrative data will be collected at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months following randomization. The primary outcome measure is medication adherence as measured by the medication possession ratio and adherence categories which combine pharmacy information with patient self-report and antipsychotic blood levels. Patients� level of psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and satisfaction are secondary outcome measures. In supplemental analyses, we will compare the effectiveness of the pharmacy-based intervention among subgroups of patients who have varying degrees of cognitive limitations, insight into their illness, and attitudes towards antipsychotic medication. Findings: One hundred and fifty patients have been enrolled in the study. Follow-up rates have been high, with 90% of patients completing 6 month follow up assessments and 80% completing 12 month assessments. In person follow up visits are now complete.

Findings regarding the accuracy of administrative diagnoses of schizophrenia, the accuracy of pharmacy data in identifying patients with poor adherence, and patient factors associated with study recruitment have been presented at national meetings. Main study analyses are now ongoing. 6. Status: Enrollment and inperson-patient follow up are complete. Study analyses are now in progress. Impact: Improving adherence among SMI patients is critical to improving their outcomes. This study examines the effectiveness of a practical, low-cost intervention to for these vulnerable patients.

Intervention(s) in this Clinical Trial

• Behavioral: Unit of use medication packaging
• Behavioral: Mailed reminders to patient when medication refills are due
• Behavioral: Note to Mental Health Provider when refill is overdue
• Procedure: Aligning all prescriptions to fall due on same date

Arms, Groups and Cohorts in this Clinical Trial

• Other: 1

Primary Measures

• Medication Possession Ratio at baseline, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months. Aggregate adherence categories based on MPR, anti-psychotic blood levels (present/not present) and patient self-report at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
  • Safety Issue?: No

Secondary Measures

• Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia, Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, Quality of Well-Being Scale. All to be administered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after enrollment
  • Safety Issue?: No

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be adult veterans. Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. At least one active oral antipsychotic prescription. History of poor medication compliance.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have received depot antipsychotics in the last year. Have supervised medication administration. Have not attended a VA outpatient appointment in the past 6 months, and none are scheduled,. Are prescribed Clozapine. Have a fatal illness with a life expectancy less than 2 years.

Gender Eligibility for this Clinical Trial: Both

Minimum Age for this Clinical Trial: 18 Years

Maximum Age for this Clinical Trial: N/A

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted for this Clinical Trial?: No

Lead Sponsor: Department of Veterans Affairs

Overall Clinical Trial Officials and Contacts

Marcia T. Valenstein, MD AB Principal Investigator VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System  

Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on August 29, 2008

Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00057135

Study ID Number: IIR 01-074

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00057135

Health Authority: United States: Federal Government