The evaluation of an intervention based on the application of patient self-completion concordance forms in Dutch community pharmacies and the effect on adherence to chronic medication

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of patient self-completion concordance forms and to determine the effect of patient counselling by using concordance forms on adherence to chronic medication.MethodsPatients with a prescription for new chronic treatment were randomised in an intervention or control group. The intervention group received a concordance form to fill in at home and to discuss during a consultation 2 weeks later in the pharmacy. The control group received the usual information and instruction on how to use the medicine. Afterwards, all patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their use of medicines and contact with the pharmacy employees. Adherence to the medicine was determined using rates of prescription refills after 6 months of use.ResultsThe questionnaires showed that patients were satisfied about the concordance model. After 6 months of use, 79% of the patients from both intervention and control group were defined as adherent.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference found in adherence between intervention and control group.Practice implicationsUse five selected questions from the concordance form which provided most answers. Focus on one drug group and have more consultation moments.