EPS03.5 Adherence monitoring in cystic fibrosis centres: Current practice and pharmacists’ perspectives

Abstract

Objectives Cystic Fibrosis (CF) management requires complex treatment regimens but adherence to treatment is poor. Various methods exist to measure adherence, but little is known about the extent of their use in CF centres. The aims of this work were to determine adherence monitoring practices in CF centres and to establish CF pharmacists’ views on these. Methods A questionnaire was designed, piloted and subsequently reviewed to survey pharmacists’ from the UK and Ireland Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacists’ Group's at their annual meeting (2014). The questionnaire explored (i) inhaled antibiotic supply to CF patients, (ii) adherence monitoring within CF centres, and (iii) demographics. Closed question responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open questions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Twenty-one respondents were included in the analysis (Response rate: 84%). Adherence was most commonly described to be measured at ‘every clinic visit’ (29%) and ‘occasionally’ (29%). Patient self-reported adherence was the most commonly used method of measuring adherence in practice (90%). The availability of electronic monitoring did not guarantee its use. Seventy-six percent of pharmacists deemed current adherence monitoring as inadequate and linked this to the absence of appropriate pharmacist involvement in CF. Many suggested that greater specialist pharmacist involvement could facilitate better adherence monitoring and improve care. Conclusion Current adherence knowledge is largely based on self-report. Further work is required to improve the recording of adherence and the impact of an adherence advocate, on that adherence.