Long-term NOAC users demonstrated high implementation adherence with a median Medication Possession Ratio of 95.2%, though nearly 21% reported non-adherence primarily due to forgetfulness.
Cross-Sectional
Yes
Long-term NOAC users in a community setting demonstrate high implementation adherence and positive attitudes, though unintentional non-adherence remains a target for optimization.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess implementation adherence (how well the patient's actual intake matches the prescribed dosing regimen) to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and to explore experiences with and beliefs about NOACs in a real-world sample of long-term NOAC users. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in home-dwelling adults who started taking a NOAC at least 1 year prior to inclusion. Pharmacy dispensing data were used to calculate the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Patients were recruited in 158 community pharmacies in Flanders, Belgium. They completed a questionnaire collecting basic characteristics and exploring self-reported adherence to NOACs (using the Medication Adherence Report Scale, MARS) and experiences with and beliefs about NOACs (using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, BMQ). RESULTS: -VASc score 4 (IQR=3-4)) were included. The majority (93.5%) used NOAC for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The median MPR was 95.2% (IQR=87.8-99.7) which corresponds with half of the study population not taking their NOAC on at least 17 cumulative days per year. Almost 21% of participants reported non-adherence on the MARS (score <25), with unintentional non-adherence (forgetfulness) most frequently reported (15.4%). Although two-thirds of NOAC users indicated to experience adverse drug reactions, the BMQ demonstrated a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy, where necessity beliefs outweigh the concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that long-term NOAC users have high implementation adherence and a positive attitude towards NOAC therapy. However, taking into account patients' thromboembolic risk and NOACs' short half-lives, further optimisation of NOAC use seems warranted in this population.
Capiau et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation (stroke prevention). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) was evaluated on Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Long-term NOAC users demonstrated high implementation adherence with a median Medication Possession Ratio of 95.2%, though nearly 21% reported non-adherence primarily due to forgetfulness.