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A randomised trial of strategies to improve patient compliance with anticonvulsant therapy
Citation
Peterson, GM and McLean, S and Millingen, KS, A randomised trial of strategies to improve patient compliance with anticonvulsant therapy, Epilepsia, 25, (4) pp. 412-7. ISSN 0013-9580 (1984) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1984.tb03436.x
Abstract
Fifty-three hospital outpatients with epilepsy were randomly allocated to either a control or an intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were subjected to a combination of compliance-improving strategies: patient counselling, a special medication container, self-recording of medication intake and seizures, and mailed reminders to collect prescription refills and attend clinic appointments. Compliance with anticonvulsant therapy (as measured by plasma anticonvulsant levels and prescription refill frequencies), and seizure frequency, were evaluated in each patient prior to intervention and 6 months afterwards. Patient compliance and clinical control improved significantly in the intervention group patients. Seizure frequency was, on average, halved following intervention. Compliance and seizure frequency were unaltered in the control group. Intervention failed to improve clinic appointment keeping. Poor compliance with drug therapy commonly confounds the treatment of epilepsy. This study shows that compliance can be improved and seizure frequency lessened by strategies that are easily incorporated into the routine management of epileptic patients.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Research Field: | Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Health and Support Services |
Objective Field: | Health and Support Services not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Peterson, GM (Professor Gregory Peterson) |
UTAS Author: | McLean, S (Professor Stuart McLean) |
ID Code: | 111082 |
Year Published: | 1984 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 64 |
Deposited By: | College Office - CHM |
Deposited On: | 2016-08-30 |
Last Modified: | 2016-08-30 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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