Medication Adherence Survey Highlights. A Survey of Upstate New York, 2017

Transcription

1 Medication Adherence Survey Highlights A Survey of Upstate New York, 2017

2 Survey Methods

3 Method and Design Excellus BCBS commissioned One Research to conduct an online survey of upstate New York adults. Participants were recruited from a vendor panel by invitation to take the survey between January 6 and January 19, Participants were not asked to disclose their health care provider. Survey respondents had to be at least 18 years old and living within the health plan s 39- county coverage area. County-level quotas were established to ensure the geographic distribution of the final sample would closely match the actual distribution of the general population. The design of the study was cross-sectional. The survey instrument contained a brief screening, demographic questions and randomized questions on several health-related topics. A subset of participants (n= 1,215) who were currently taking a prescription medication for a chronic condition were also asked about medication adherence. The survey was designed for self-completion via an online platform. In conducting the analysis, data were tested at a 95 percent confidence interval. Editor s note: This is general population data, and not a survey of health plan members. 3

4 Participants 2,000 individuals from a 39-county region in upstate New York completed the survey. The demographics of the respondents indicate that the survey sample was representative of upstate New York adults. A subset of 1,215 participants currently taking a prescription medication for a chronic condition are the focus of this analysis. Editor s note: This is general population data, and not a survey of health plan members. Participant Characteristics (n = 1,215) Region Western NY 31% Rochester/Finger Lakes 21% Central NY 17% Southern Tier 10% Utica/Rome/North Country 21% Sex Male 40% Female 60% Age % % % % % % 4

5 Participants (cont.) Participant Characteristics (n = 1,215) Race Education Level White 92% High school graduate or less 22% Black or African American 4% Some college 21% Asian or Pacific Islander 1% Associate s degree 15% Native American or Alaskan Native 1% College 4 years 24% Mixed Race 2% Post graduate 18% Some other race 0%% Annual Household Income Employment Status Less than $15,000 9% Employed full or part-time 48% $15,000-$24,999 12% Self-employed 4% $25,000-$34,999 9% Not employed, looking for work 4% $35,000-$49,999 15% Not employed, not looking for work 4% $50,000 to $74,999 19% Retired 24% $75,000 to $99,999 17% Student 2% $100,000 or more 14% Homemaker 9% Prefer not to respond 5% Other 5% 5

6 Participants (cont.) Participant Characteristics (n = 1,215) Prevalence of Chronic Conditions High blood pressure (hypertension) 37% High cholesterol 31% Depression 25% Diabetes 18% Asthma 14% Heart trouble, including angina 6% Cancer 2% Other 39% 6

7 Medication Adherence Results (n = 1,215, only respondents currently taking a prescription medication)

8 Patients know it is important to take medications as prescribed. 90% reported it is Very Important or Extremely Important. Importance of Always Taking Medication As Prescribed 0% 9% 53% 37% Not at all important Somewhat important Very important Extremely important 90% 8

9 7 out of 10 patients are Extremely Comfortable in knowing how to take medication as prescribed. Comfort in Knowing How to Take Medications as Prescribed 0% 2% 27% Not at all comfortable Somewhat comfortable Very comfortable Extremely comfortable 71% 9

10 Despite the perceived importance of and comfort with medication adherence in this sample, 2 out of 5 patients have missed at least one dose. Percent of Patients taking Medication I always took my medication as I always took my medication as prescribed. I missed one dose of medication I missed one dose of medication. I missed more than one dose of I missed more than one dose of medication. I took medication late. I took medication late I took less than the prescribed dose of medication. I took less than the prescribed I took medication early. I took medication early I took too much medication I took too much medication. Other Other (please specify) 40% 8% 5% 2% 1% 15% 20% 20% 54% 10

11 Medication adherence is lower in the Southern Tier compared to other regions. Always Took Medication as Prescribed, by Region Western NY 56% Finger Lakes 55% Central NY 55% Southern Tier 44% Utica/Rome/North Country 54% 11

12 Adults ages 45 and older reported higher medication adherence than younger adults. Always Took Medication as Prescribed, by Age % % % % % % 12

13 When patients stop taking or change the way they take their prescription medication, it is usually from forgetfulness or not having the medication with them, or because of side effects. Forgot to take/did not have my pills with me (e.g., on vacation) Forgot to take/did not have my Side effects (e.g., too many or too severe, make me feel bad) Cost Side effects (e.g., too many or too Effectiveness (e.g., doesn't prevent symptoms from returning, doesn't relieve symptoms fast enough) Not sick/not having symptoms Cost Effectiveness (e.g., doesn't prevent Not sick/not having symptoms Not important to take every time (e.g., can get by without them) Not important to take every time 20% 14% 13% 11% 8% 43% 13

14 Among those who missed a dose of medication, about 3 in 10 reported that symptoms returned. Nothing occurred 61% I had symptoms related to my condition 29% I missed out on a social event I had to visit the doctor I missed school/work I was hospitalized I had to visit the Emergency Department Other 9% 7% 6% 3% 3% 1% n = 420, only respondents who missed a dose of medication 14

15 Most patients depend on themselves to make sure they take their medication as prescribed. Partners, spouses and doctors are also sources of assurance. Who helps patients make sure they take their medications as prescribed? 58% 21% 18% Average patient age Themselves 54 years Partner/Spouse 48 years Their doctor 43 years 15

16 Patients who rely solely on themselves to ensure they take their medication as prescribed are much more adherent than patients who rely on a spouse/partner or their doctor. Always as prescribed 43% 50% 60% Who s helping Spouse/Partner (n=199) Doctor (n=169) Missed 1 dose Missed > 1 dose Took dose late 29% 16% 17% 27% 19% 16% 24% 13% 11% Themselves (n=703) On the other hand, patients who have a partner or spouse involved to help ensure the patient takes there medication as prescribed is significantly more likely to miss a dose or take a dose late, compared to patients receiving no one s help or a doctor s. 16

17 Daily routines and a pill box or alarm clock are the key methods patients use to help them take medications as prescribed. Percent of patients using method Fit into daily routine (e.g., always take pill after brushing teeth or before bed) Pill box, alarm clock Fit into daily routine (e.g., Pill box, alarm clock Participate in a pharmacy refill Participate in a pharmacy refill program Spouse/partner/other family member reminds me Spouse/partner/other family Reminder app on cell phone Reminder app on cell phone Plan ahead for changes in daily Plan ahead for changes in daily routine Keep a medication diary Other Keep a medication diary Other Do not use any method to Do not use any method to remind me 17% 14% 10% 8% 4% 2% 21% 30% 46% 17