Implementation and evaluation of an Interactive-Voice-Response intervention to support medication adherence. A pilot study

Abstract

Background: medication non-adherence is a significant challenge to public health and current practices show limited effectiveness and time to address each patient's reasons for medication non-adherence. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) pilot study is a theory and evidence based intervention that aims to support medication adherence to patients with hypertension. This presentation will describe the factors that impacted on intervention fidelity and engagement, as well as the acceptability of the intervention content to promote medication adherence. Methods: mixed methods study generated data from call log files, inbound voice messages, and interviews with participants. Quantitative data informed qualitative data analyses, and integrated into a thematic analysis. Findings: The tailored schedule of the calls, the personalisation and the variation of the content were found to be particularly appealing, and were perceived to promote engagement with the intervention. IVR messages that included friendly reminders to take medications as prescribed, and advice tailored to each participant’s reasons for medication non-adherence, as well as information about health consequences were perceived to support medication adherence behaviour. Participants recommended phone calls that coincide with medication schedules, and include coping plans to support medication adherence when they anticipate a change in their routine. Discussion: Overall, participants agreed on the need for, and the potential benefits of, an IVR intervention to support medication adherence between primary care consultations. Future studies could usefully test the feasibility of tailored IVR interventions to support medication adherence in primary care.