Introduction Nonadherence to immunosuppressive (IS) therapy is associated with poor outcomes. Identifying factors predicting poor adherence is therefore essential. The primary objective of this study was to test whether parameters of a model adapted from the theory of planned behavior, and more specifically attitudes that are influenced by beliefs and satisfaction with medication, could predict adherence in solid organ transplant patients. Methods Adherence was assessed with a self-reported medication adherence scale and IS blood trough concentrations over 6 months, in four transplant units. Satisfaction and beliefs were assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q) and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), respectively. Theory of planned behavior was assessed with a specific questionnaire exploring intentions, subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behavioral control. Treatment characteristics and socioeconomic data were also collected. Results One hundred and fifty-three solid organ transplant patients were enrolled, including lung (n=33), heart (n=43), liver (n=42), and kidney (n=44) patients. Satisfaction and positive beliefs about medication were higher in adherent than those in nonadherent patients. Factors independently associated with an increased risk of nonadherence were negative general beliefs about medications (odds ratio [OR]=0.89 [0.83–0.97]), living alone (OR=2.78 [1.09–7.09]), heart transplantation (OR=3.49 [1.34–9.09]), and being on everolimus (OR=5.02 [1.21–20.8]). Conclusion Negative beliefs toward medications were shown to be an independent risk factor of poor adherence. Therefore, the BMQ could be an effective, easy to implement tool, for use in everyday practice, to identify patients needing interventions to improve adherence to IS.

Objective Concerns have been raised about nonadherence behavior among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) receiving biologics. This nonadherence may be caused by various factors. The main objective was to explain why patients discontinue their biologics of their own accord. Methods A quantitative and descriptive study was performed using a self-report questionnaire that was sent through the Internet to members of different patient associations. Sociodemographic data, medical and therapeutic history, management of biologic administration, previous experiences, and patients’ beliefs and perceptions about treatment efficacy and side effects were studied to explain self-discontinuation (SD). Results A total of 581 patients answered the questionnaire between June 16, 2012, and July 4, 2012, including patients with ankylosing spondylitis (351/581, 60.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (196/581, 33.7%), psoriatic arthritis (30/581, 5.2%), and other CIRD (4/581, 0.7%). More than 1000 different biologics were described by the 581 patients, with a median of 2 lines per patient. Eighty-six patients discontinued their biologics of their own accord (14.8%). In a multivariate analysis, factors that were significantly related to SD were low level of pain, more than 1 line of biologics tried, self-administration of biologics, negative beliefs about the treatment, and a lack of medical and social support. Conclusion Five predictive factors of this SD were identified, which should be assessed in routine with patients with CIRD receiving biologic treatment: pain, treatment history, self-administration of injections, negative beliefs about treatment, and a lack of perceived medical and social support.

Introduction: To evaluate the economic impact of automated-drug dispensing systems (ADS) in surgical intensive care units (ICUs). A financial analysis was conducted in three adult ICUs of one university hospital, where ADS were implemented, one in each unit, to replace the traditional floor stock system. Method: Costs were estimated before and after implementation of the ADS on the basis of floor stock inventories, expired drugs, and time spent by nurses and pharmacy technicians on medication-related work activities. A financial analysis was conducted that included operating cash flows, investment cash flows, global cash flow and net present value. Results: After ADS implementation, nurses spent less time on medication-related activities with an average of 14.7 hours saved per day/33 beds. Pharmacy technicians spent more time on floor-stock activities with an average of 3.5 additional hours per day across the three ICUs. The cost of drug storage was reduced by €44,298 and the cost of expired drugs was reduced by €14,772 per year across the three ICUs. Five years after the initial investment, the global cash flow was €148,229 and the net present value of the project was positive by €510,404. Conclusion: The financial modeling of the ADS implementation in three ICUs showed a high return on investment for the hospital. Medication-related costs and nursing time dedicated to medications are reduced with ADS.