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Effective interventions to improve medication adherence in Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

Joni L Strom Williams, Rebekah J Walker, Brittany L Smalls, Jennifer A Campbell & Leonard E Egede

Aim: Medication adherence is associated with improved outcomes in diabetes. Interventions have been established to help improve medication adherence; however, the most effective interventions in patients with Type 2 diabetes remain unclear. The goal of this study was to distinguish whether interventions were effective and identify areas for future research.

Methods: Medline was searched for articles published between January 2000 and May 2013, and a reproducible strategy was used. Study eligibility criteria included interventions measuring medication adherence in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Results: Twenty seven studies met the inclusion criteria and 13 showed a statistically significant change in medication adherence.

Conclusion: Heterogeneity of the study designs and measures of adherence made it difficult to identify effective interventions that improved medication adherence. Additionally, medication adherence may not be solely responsible for achieving glycemic control. Researchers must emphasize tailored interventions that optimize management and improve outcomes, and examine the need for clear indicators of medication adherence.