Effectiveness of a pharmaceutical instruction video for adherence to dermatopathy treatment in patients with cancer receiving the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody

Abstract

Background Dermatopathy develops as a side effect in patients receiving anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody treatment. Topical moisturizers are used for the prevention and treatment of this dermatopathy. Active participation of patients in their own treatment is important for the appropriate application of topical preparations. We prepared a pharmaceutical instructional video for adhering to the topical application protocol. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of this pharmaceutical instructional video on treatment adherence. Methods Study participants were patients with cancer receiving the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody for the first time. A pharmacist instructed the patients on how to use the pharmaceutical instruction video. Daily topical preparation use following the video demonstration was assessed. The effectiveness of the pharmaceutical instruction video was evaluated by assessing the adherence of patients who did not use the pharmaceutical instruction video for the past 2 periods (26 months; controls 1 and 2). The incidence of side effects was compared between the two control groups and the group of patients who received the pharmaceutical instruction video. Results The amount of topical preparation consumed (median, g/day) by patients who received patient compliance instructions using the pharmaceutical instruction video was 9.8 g/day, as compared with control group 1 (4.5 g/day) and control group 2 (5.5 g/day) ( p < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of side effects during the three periods. Conclusion The use of visual instructional media for patient compliance by pharmacists may be effective in maintaining and improving treatment adherence.

The Pharmacist's role in dermatology: Patient medication adherence

“…Another element of proper medication adherence is the impact of medication counseling and improving patient education on proper medication use, particularly with topical medications. A pharmacist‐administered instruction video on proper use of topical medication improved medication use in patients compared to the control groups that did not watch the video ( p < 0.001) 37 . A similar intervention assessed the impact of counseling to caregivers of pediatric patients for atopic dermatitis.…”

“…54 Pharmacists may improve topical medication adherence through counseling initiatives and identifying cost saving opportunities. 36,37,39,44 Given the high rate of corticophobia among pharmacists, future education interventions will help pharmacists reduce corticophobia in patients as well.…”

“…Pharmacists improve access to patient medications through resolving prior authorization requests, coordinating medication dispensing, and ensuring medication appropriateness 24,28,29 . Pharmacists effectively counseled patients on medication administration and adverse effects as well as resolve any unanswered queries 29,33,37–39 . They also improve medication adherence through monitoring treatment using questionnaires, identifying patients overdue for a refill, and performing MURs 26,33,42 .…”

“…24,28,29 Pharmacists effectively counseled patients on medication administration and adverse effects as well as resolve any unanswered queries. 29,33,[37][38][39] They also improve medication adherence through monitoring treatment using questionnaires, identifying patients overdue for a refill, and performing MURs. 26,33,42 Although pharmacists are helpful in ensuring patients receive the right medication, their preconceived notions about some medications, such as corticosteroids, may impact care.…”

“…A pharmacist-administered instruction video on proper use of topical medication improved medication use in patients compared to the control groups that did not watch the video (p < 0.001). 37 A similar intervention assessed the impact of counseling to caregivers of pediatric patients for atopic dermatitis. The knowledge score and confidence level regarding handling their child's conditions was enhanced (p < 0.001) compared to the scores before the counseling session occured.…”