Effects of patient counselling on medication adherence in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders in India and the cornerstone of its care is to educate the patients about self-management. According to World Health of Organization (WHO) diabetes is currently one of the biggest health concerns that the world is faced with adherence to medications has always been a problem among patients. Therefore, there is a need for patient counselling regarding their medication so that they can take their medication on time. The aim is to determine the effect of patient counselling on medication adherence in diabetes patients. It was a prospective study conducted for a period of 6 months in a tertiary care facility named Global Hospital, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad and patients who meet the study criteria were included. The required data was collected from the pharmacy, from the patient case sheet and through direct patient interview by using suitable patient profile form and the obtained data was evaluated. A total of 150 patients were included in the study. Out of them, 88 patients completed the study (2 follow ups) and 62 were excluded (32 did not give their consent, 30 came for just 1 visit). Among the 88 patients, 45 were male and 43 were female. A total of 40 patients have their score as 6 before patient counselling (i.e.) it falls under low medication adherence. After counselling the maximum number of patients was adhered (90%) (i.e.) their Morisky score was 2 (medium adherence). 10% of patients fall under score 3 (i.e.) low adherence. The results of our study concluded that patient counselling by the pharmacists helped in improving patient's knowledge about the disease and its management thereby influencing the patient's attitude and practice towards the disease and ultimately translates into better glycemic control and prevention of further complications of the disease. Effects of patient ….. Karunya Kona et al.