Systematic review meta analysis of adherence measures for common chronic medications used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Specific Aims: The aim of this systematic review and meta analysis is to determine the best method to measure medication adherence in cystic fibrosis patients by assessing the rates of adherence to cystic fibrosis medications using different measuring methods. Methods: Using multiple bibliographic databases (including Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane, PsychINFO, WHO, Web of Science, Scopus, and IPS) and reviewing grey literature and association websites, a systematic literature search of articles related to medication adherence in cystic fibrosis patients was conducted in February 2018. The limits applied to all articles were the English language and publication dates between 1989 to the present day. The literature screening was conducted by 3 pharmacy students, professors at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, and members of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). The studies were assessed for quality using a abstract and data extraction screening tool. Main Results: The bibliographic database searches generated 1,955 articles, and the grey literature and association websites generated 15 articles. 1,549 of the 1,955 articles and 0 of the 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction screening. Then, after the abstract screening, 42 articles were identified for eligible to proceed to data extraction. Medication adherence was measured using paper/hard copy reminder tool, pager application, mobile application, electronic device, medication container with tracking, education sessions, and medication organizer. Conclusions: In the preliminary results, seven studies were included in the meta-analysis measuring five different methods of adherence: written diary, electronic monitoring, self-report, Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and Proportion of Days Covered (PDC). Overall, adherence measured by written diary was significantly different than all other adherence measures except MPR. Further data analysis will be conducted when the data extraction and review is completed by Cystic Fibrosis clinicians and experts.