IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION ON MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE AND ADHERENCE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Objective: The objectives of the study are to evaluate the medication knowledge and medication adherence in patients undergoing haemodialysis and to educate the patients regarding the importance of medication adherence through counseling by providing Patient Information Leaflets and to analyze its impact. Methods: 50 Patients were randomly divided into two groups (control and test). Patient data was collected and documented using the patient data collection form after obtaining their consent. Their knowledge and medication adherence were assessed using questionnaires and was quantified. Patients included in the test group were counseled using Patient Information Leaflets whereas the control group was not counseled. Re-assessment was done during follow up for both groups. Results: Paired t-test was done to check if there was a significant difference in both the test and control group, with and without the use of Patient Information Leaflets respectively. The study showed that the test group had significant improvement (P<0.05) in their medication adherence and knowledge whereas there was no significant change in the control group. Conclusion: Providing patient counseling and continuous education with efforts to improve awareness among haemodialysis patients could enhance adherence to therapies and thus could improve clinical outcomes and quality of life