Club Medbox: An Evaluation of a Pharmacist Run Adherence Group Focused on Improving Medication Therapy Adherence and Disease State Management in HIV Positive Patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Club Medbox, a pharmacist-run intervention in which a pharmacist addresses barriers to treatment that arise in patients with HIV via a weekly educational group session. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and patient interview were utilized to evaluate Club Medbox member characteristics and changes in clinical HIV markers over the course of membership; and survey instruments were used to assess patient-perceived impacts of Club Medbox on overcoming barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence, general health, social support, and disease- state comprehension. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. HIV-ASES scores were significantly increased (p <0.001). SF-12 scores showed significant improvement for the physical health domain (p <0.001) with minimal changes to the mental health domain (p=0.949). CD 4 counts, CD 4%, and undetectable viral load values were all observed with an upward trend from baseline until after intervention with Club Medbox. Social and educational participant influence were shown to improve based on interview responses (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation showed significant improvement in the confidence of participants to adhere to treatment plans when barriers are present, self-perceived physical health, disease state management, patient-perception of feelings of social support, and patient-understanding of HIV as a disease state from baseline until after Club Medbox affiliation. This study did not show an influence of Club Medbox participation on self-perceived mental health. Club Medbox should be considered an effective intervention in the improvement of medication therapy adherence and disease state management in HIV positive patients.