Abstract

EVALUATION OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS AND OUTLIVING THE CONDITION THROUGH PATIENT COUNSELLING

Gloria Sam*, Raima Roy, Rejula Rengit, Selveena Saju and Tanushree M.

ABSTRACT

Dialysis is a process that facilitates the removal of excess water and toxins from the body, both of which accumulate as a result of inadequate kidney function. End-stage kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis are prescribed with multiple complex regimens and are predisposed to high risk of medication nonadherence. The objectives of this study is to evaluate the medication adherence among hemodialysis patients and to promote better quality of life through effective patient counseling at a teritiary care teaching hospital. A prospective observational questionnaire based study was conducted for a period of 6 months in the Nephrology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital at Davangere. Patients enrolled were randomized into test and control groups. The data was collected using specific data collection forms and adherence was assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence questionnaire (MMAS-8) was given before and after patient counselling for both groups. At the end of the study, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the MMAS-8 score has been observed in the test group of study population, who received patient counselling and patient information leaflet (PIL). This study tried to entitle the name of pharmacist as a patient educator who gives proper guidance to the patient and also the family members about the disease, drug management, diet and life style modifications. We conclusively state that clinical pharmacist can play a key role in improving medication adherence through patient counselling, thereby improving quality of life (QoL) among hemodialysis patients.

Keywords: Hemodialysis, medication adherence, quality of life, patient counselling, MMAS-8.