(175) Implementation and Evaluation of Medication Therapy Management in Patients with Hypertension

Background: Medication therapy management (MTM) is essential for optimizing medication use, preventing adverse reactions, and enhancing adherence in patients with complex treatment regimens and comorbidities, thereby improving overall health outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of MTM in hypertensive patients with polypharmacy.

Methods: The present prospective interventional study was conducted after the approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. Participants ≥18 years diagnosed with hypertension having comorbidities, and polypharmacy were enrolled. Data were collected on demographics, illness duration, medication sources, initial blood pressure (BP), Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and prescriptions. The pre-validated Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale was administered to the patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria after receiving the informed consent. Educational interventions focused on proper medication usage and adherence. Follow-up included questionnaire re-administration, BP and HbA1C reassessments, and prescription patterns were noted for identifying the effect of intervention. Paired t-test and descriptive statistical analysis were carried out for continuous and discrete variables respectively considering p< 0.05.

Results: The study included 126 patients (mean age: 62.1 years; mean illness duration: 10.3 years), with 53.17% males. Diabetes mellitus was predominant (65.87%), with various other comorbidities observed. Most patients (65.87%) purchased medications from private community pharmacies. Drug interactions were prevalent in 84.13% of patients. Anti-hypertensives were prescribed to 97.62%, and 62.70% received hypoglycemics. Post-intervention changes in BP and HbA1C were nonsignificant, but adherence improved by approximately 9.43%.

Conclusions: Pharmacist-led MTM in tertiary care hospitals enhances prescription analysis, boosts medication use, and improves adherence. Future research should address implementation barriers and facilitators in various healthcare settings to improve patient safety.