The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Jun 2012
Association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease maintenance medication adherence with all-cause hospitalization and spending in a Medicare population.
Although maintenance medications are a cornerstone of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, adherence remains suboptimal. Poor medication adherence is implicated in poor outcomes with other chronic conditions; however, little is understood regarding links between adherence and outcomes in COPD patients. ⋯ COPD patients with higher adherence to prescribed regimens experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower Medicare costs than those who exhibited lower adherence behaviors. Findings suggested the clinical and economic importance of medication adherence in the management of COPD patients in the Medicare population.