Use of compliance aid devices in psychiatric patients

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding the use of compliance aid devices in psychiatric patients. Introduction: The issue of non-compliance to prescribed medical treatment has been reported to be an important problem in psychiatric outpatients, particularly those living on their own. Aims: • To assess the extent of non-compliance in a cohort of psychiatric outpatients. • To evaluate the applicability of using a 7-day multi-dose pill box in this patient group in terms of practicality, ease of use and impact on compliance.

Background and objective: The issue of non-compliance to prescribed medical treatment has been reported to be a crucial problem in psychiatric outpatients. The aims of this study were to assess the extent of non-compliance in a cohort of psychiatric outpatients in Malta and to investigate the applicability of using a 7-Day Multi-Dose pill box in terms of practicality, ease of use and impact on compliance within this patient group. Setting and method: The study was conducted at Mount Carmel Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Malta. Twenty outpatients were recruited by convenience sampling. The study was divided into two phases. During Phase 1, patient compliance was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) survey and patients were administered Part A of a questionnaire entitled ‘Assessment of the 7-Day Multi Dose pill box’. This questionnaire evaluated the patients’ opinion regarding the 7-Day Multi Dose pill box before and after its use. In Phase 2, the chosen patients were given a demonstration on how to use the 7-Day Multi Dose pill box and the device was given to them to use at home for one week. After one week, Part B of the questionnaire was completed and compliance was re-assessed using MARS . Main outcome measures: Evaluation of adherence before and after use of the compliance aid device. Results: Of the 20 patients recruited, 9 were male and 11 were female. The mean age was 46 years (range 33–70) and the mean number of daily medications 6 (range 3–16). Upon initial scoring using MARS, 15 patients were adherent and 5 patients were nonadherent. A higher adherence was observed in patients taking 5 or more medications daily.