The effect of the continuous care model on the adherence to the medication regimen of patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the continuous care model on the adherence to the medication regimen of patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. This quasi-experimental research was carried out on a sample of 46 patients who were admitted to the psychiatric ward. The data collection tools employed in this research included a demographic questionnaire and an 8-item MMAS-8 medication adherence questionnaire. Before the intervention, the adherence rate to the medication regimen was 2.82 (SD=1.62) in the intervention group and 3.20 (SD=2.50) in the control group. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the two groups pre-intervention. Post-intervention, the adherence level to the medication regimen increased to 5.56 (SD=1.70) in the intervention group and 3.51 (SD=2.73) in the control group. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated a significant difference (P=0.006) between the two groups post-intervention. The analysis of covariances (ANCOVA) test, after controlling for the pre-test effect, demonstrated that the continuous care model significantly influenced the adherence to the medication regimen among patients admitted to the psychiatric ward (eta=0.26, P<0.01). Consequently, the continuous care model can be attributed to 26% of the changes in adherence to the medication regimen in patients. Owing to the demonstrated efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the continuous care model, it can be integrated into nursing education and management. The implementation of such care models and approaches has been shown to enhance the quality of patient care services. Therefore, it is a viable strategy for improving healthcare outcomes and efficiency.