Evidence needed for policy decisions: adherence interventions and Medicare Part D.

摘要

It was with great interest that we read the article by Kri-palani et al regarding interventions to enhance medication adherence. As one of the goals of medication therapy management (MTM) programs under the Medicare Modernization Act, the focus on methods of improving adherence has become of paramount importance. Medication therapy management is targeted at those most at risk for adherence-related problems, ie, individuals older than 65 years with multiple chronic conditions taking many medications. Despite the knowledge that those with poor adherence have more hospitalizations and higher medical costs, practitioners and insurers in a position to develop programs that have an impact on adherence must do so with little information on what is truly effective.