Making the rheumatologist aware of patients' non-adherence does not improve medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: We have developed an instrument that provides the physician structured information about medication use and patients' (non-)adherence. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of this instrument on adherence and medication beliefs in outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: In this within-subject controlled prospective cohort study, 50 outpatients were assessed during three consecutive visits to their rheumatologist. At these three points in time, patients' adherence, medication beliefs, satisfaction about information about medication, and physical functioning were measured using validated self-report questionnaires. An intervention was scheduled during the second visit. The intervention consisted of a written report informing the physician about medication use and adherence to medication for each patient. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by comparing outcome measures at the third visit to the same measures assessed prior to the intervention. Results: At baseline, 30% of the patients (n = 50) were non-adherent. No significant changes in adherence were found between the first and second visit prior to the intervention. Adherence did not change after the intervention, compared to both of the adherence assessments prior to the intervention. Beliefs about medication, patients' satisfaction about information on medication, and physical functioning were also not significantly altered. Conclusion: Supplying the rheumatologist a report with information about medication use and adherence did not change adherence or patients' beliefs about medication. Further research is necessary to ensure effective support for adherence for individual patients with RA.