Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between adherence to statin therapy and LDL cholesterol goal achievement in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The records of patients being medically treated for dyslipidemia in a managed care diabetes program from January 2001 to December 2002 were used to assess LDL cholesterol goal attainment (0.80. Pharmacy records can be used to identify patients who are poorly compliant with statin therapy and at high risk for failure to attain LDL cholesterol goals. Because outcomes are directly related to patients' medication-taking behavior, when clinical goals (such as serum cholesterol levels) are not being reached, adherence should be the first item assessed by the clinician.
Parris et al. (Tue,) studied this question.