HPD Research Day | February 16, 2018

44 Atrium – Poster 33 12:15-1:15 p.m. Assessment of Need for Access and Affordability of Medication in an Underserved Population in Ghana Reginald Gyapong, MS, P4, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University Mary Obeng, PharmD, MPH, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Cyril Blavo, D.O., Director/Professor of Public Health, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Patrick Hardigan, Ph.D., HPD Research, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Esther Acherekoh, B.Pharm, College of Pharmacy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Background. Subsidized medication programs for disadvantaged communities in Ghana are either unreliable or non-existent. Due to a high cost of medicines, low-income earners have higher rates of non-adherence to medication therapy, resulting in poor health outcomes. There is a perceived need for access to medications in rural communities of Ghana. Objective. This study sought to identify community needs relating to cost and availability of essential medications. Methods. Randomly selected community members of Ejisu, Ghana, were surveyed on their income levels, access to essential medicines and opinions on affordability of medicines. Pharmacists surveyed provided input on developing a community-based drug formulary and factors influencing medication adherence. Quantitative data analyses was performed using descriptive statistics. Results. Among 201 community respondents, 70% were female and 63% were between the ages of 18 and 40. Approximately 62% reported either primary or junior high school as the highest educational level attained, whereas 20% had no formal education. The monthly household income level reported by 61% of respondents was less than 100 cedis ($25) a month. While 14% reported that they could only afford to purchase daily quantities of medication, 86% admitted that discounts would make medications affordable. Of 85 pharmacists surveyed, 94% identified a need for a community-based drug formulary for hypertension, diabetes and malaria. Approximately 95% of them agreed that subsidized medications would improve adherence. Conclusion. The study findings justify a need for strategies to enhance affordability and access to improve adherence and health outcomes in Ejisu, Ghana. Presenting in Palm Beach 12:15-1:15 p.m. Improving Medication Adherence with a Pharmacist--Led MTM Clinic in the Primary Care Setting Genevieve Hale, PharmD, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University Nemesis Merly, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University Objective. The purpose of this study is to assess medication adherence and HEDIS STAR Ratings in patients using ACE inhibitor/ARB, statins and/or anti-diabetic medications through pharmacist-led Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in an accountable care organization. Background. Previous studies show improved clinical outcomes through MTM due to improved medication adherence. Additionally, literature demonstrates that involving pharmacists further improves outcomes due to their expertise and capability to properly counsel patients on their medications. HEDIS STAR Measures is a tool used to measure adherence and it ranges from 1-5 stars (lowest to highest). Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected via chart review of pharmacist-led MTM patient interviews and follow-ups between October 2015 and April 2017. Eligible patients for this study must be at least 18 years of age and have at least one chronic disease state, for which they take ACE inhibitor/ARB, statin or diabetic medication. Results. A total of 118 patients were referred to MTM clinic, which resulted in a total of 115 interventions (1:1 ratio of intervention to patient). Out of the 118 patients, 36 had a follow-up visit, resulting in 47 interventions (1.3:1). Prior to MTM clinic, most STAR ratings were 3. Post-MTM clinic, most ratings were 4’s or 5’s across all medication categories. Conclusion. Having a pharmacist-led MTM clinic in the primary care setting helps improve medication adherence and HEDIS STAR ratings in patients with chronic conditions. Funding. None