Multidrug Blister Pack Study
Multidrug Blister Pack Study
The purpose of this study is to determine the benefit of patients using a multidrug blister
 packs after discharged from an university hospital to their homes.
Typical adherence rates for oral prescription medications are approximately 50-76%.
 Insufficient adherence causes an increase in morbidity, mortality, and costs, and decreases
 quality of life of patients. Multidrug blister packs are recommended to improve adherence and
 are widely used in Switzerland. However, evidence is poor and patient-relevant endpoints are
 seldom measured. This study was designed to compare patient-relevant outcomes in patients
 with medication repackaged in multidrug blister packs versus patients with medication
 dispensed in commercially available packages. Adherence of the intervention group will be
 monitored electronically and feedback will be given to the patients. The intervention will
 take place in a study pharmacy. Follow-up visits will take place at the study pharmacy at 3,
 6, and 12 months for all patients. Study duration will be 12 months.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age over 18 years

 -  Prescription of 4 or more different oral solid drugs

 -  Capable to understand german (verbally and written)

 -  Capable to give informed consent

 -  Insured by a Swiss health insurance

 -  Manages his/her pharmacotherapy without external support

 -  Obtains his/her medication from a community pharmacy

 -  Accepts to use an electronic multidrug blister pack

 -  Place of domicile in Basel-Stadt or Basel-Land

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnancy

 -  > 2 drugs that cannot be packed into a multidrug blister pack (e.g. fluids)

 -  Dementia, or evaluated as cognitively impaired by the responsible nurse

 -  Transplanted patient

 -  Anticoagulation with oral vitamin K antagonists

 -  Has already used a multidrug blister pack of Pharmis or a Medifilm® single dose system

 -  is visually impaired (blind)

 -  cannot push drugs through a blister

 -  refuses to allow contact to his/her regular pharmacy and GP

 -  is referred to a nursing home or to rehabilitation or another hospital at discharge

 -  is included in other clinical trial