Statin non-adherence findings from the My Experience of Taking Statin Medicines Questionnaire (mySTATINmed)

Abstract

Abstract Background Non-­adherence to statins among patients with hyperlipidaemia is estimated to be around 50%. We designed and tested a modified version of the MYMEDS© tool (1), called The My Experience of Taking Statin Medicines (mySTATINmed) questionnaire. The aim was to identify actual and potential modifiable barriers to adherence for use in clinical practice to support patients on statins. Methods The mySTATINmed was integrated within SystmOne, the most commonly used primary care records system in Leeds, and was sent to patients registered with the 32 participating Leeds GP Practices via text message. Patients completed the questionnaire remotely and the response was saved within their medical records. The questionnaire explored patient perspectives on the main modifiable factors that are likely to be associated with statin non­-adherence. Five domains were included within the questionnaire; understanding and satisfaction with statins, concerns, practicalities, fitting the statin into daily routine and self-reported adherence within the last month. Results The mySTATINmed questionnaire was responded by 466 patients [59% males; age mean±SD (range): 65±11 (21-86) years] across 29 GP Practices in Leeds (91% of eligible). There were more males (62% v 55%), but no significant difference in age, in the adherent compared to the non-adherent group. Overall, 57% of patients reported a high level of understanding and satisfaction with statins. Half of the respondents demonstrated some level of concern with their statin treatment. Being on too many medicines concerned 32% of statin users. The news related to statins have affected the perception of 14% of respondents. At least one practical problem was reported by 22% of patients, most commonly because they forget to bring their statin when they travel or leave home. Almost 23% of patients had some level of inconvenience fitting their statin into their daily routine and 21% reported that they sometimes forget to take their statin. The mySTATINmed detected an overall self-reported non-adherence within the last month of treatment of 27%, however 46% of participants displayed some level of actual or potential barriers to adherence based on their responses. Around 36% felt it was not their decision to start their statin and 20% did not have the opportunity to ask questions or openly express concerns. Patients reported not having enough information about expected side effects (43%) and how statins work (41%). Adherent patients consistently demonstrated a better understanding and experience with statins (Table 1). Conclusions The mySTATINmed is a simple tool, integrated within SystmOne, which successfully identified many modifiable actual and potential barriers to statin adherence that can be addressed in clinical practice. It allows generation of longitudinal data, safely stored within individual medical records, to better understand modifiable barriers to statin adherence and non-adherence levels.