Communication Can Boost Medication Persistence in PAH

Headline: Factors Influencing Medication Persistence in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

A recent survey sheds light on key determinants of medication persistence among individuals diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), revealing that while healthcare provider (HCP) guidance and symptom improvement are significant motivating factors, many patients also rely on unreliable sources like social media for health information. Published in the journal Pulmonary Circulation, these findings highlight the ongoing struggle for treatment adherence in a patient population whose condition can severely impact quality of life.

Understanding PAH and Its Treatment Challenges

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to heart failure if untreated. According to the survey conducted by Dr. Gabriela Gomez-Rendon and her team from Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, treatment persistence—the duration patients remain on prescribed therapy—is crucial for delaying disease progression.

"Studies show adherence to and persistence with PAH medication can be suboptimal, yet limited data are available on treatment persistence and its factors among US patients with PAH," said Gomez-Rendon. The urgency of the matter is underscored by a 2022 systematic review revealing that roughly 40% of PAH patients discontinue their medications for various reasons, ranging from the frequency of administration to financial burdens and side effects.

Survey Insights: Who, What, and Why?

The survey, conducted between 2019 and 2022, involved 134 adult PAH patients currently on therapy with selexipag (Uptravi), macitentan (Opsumit), or both. It also included insights from 23 healthcare professionals across different clinics. Of the surveyed patients, 112 reported ongoing adherence to their medication regimens, while 22 had discontinued.

Key findings of the survey included:

• Adherence Confidence: 83% of persistent patients claimed they "always" took their medications as prescribed, in contrast to just 45.5% of those who discontinued.
• Driving Forces: Persistent patients cited symptom improvement, feeling better, and HCP instructions as primary motivators, while fear of illness without medication was also a significant factor.
• Barriers to Adherence: Both persistent and non-persistent patients listed forgetfulness and fear of side effects as main contributors to non-adherence, with the latter being the predominant concern among those who discontinued.

Patient Communication: A Double-Edged Sword

Interestingly, while over 95% of respondents reported receiving information about PAH from their HCPs, many also turned to other sources. Half of the patients surveyed utilized websites for information, and 36.6% referenced social media. Alarmingly, patients who discontinued were found to rely more heavily on these potentially misleading channels.

“The findings underscore the importance of proactive communication from HCPs,” the researchers noted. By addressing side effects upfront, healthcare providers may alleviate some of the fears that hinder treatment persistence.

Moreover, the study highlighted a concerning disparity between HCP perceptions and actual adherence trends. In some clinics characterized by low patient persistence, healthcare professionals overestimated patient adherence based on medication shipment rates.

“A gap exists,” Gomez-Rendon explained. “Patients may underreport missed medications during consultations, or there might be communication delays between pharmacies and healthcare providers.”

Path Forward: Strategies for Better Patient Engagement

The authors of the study advocate for an improvement in doctor-patient communication strategies, suggesting the inclusion of social workers or case managers to help navigate questions and financial resources related to treatment.

“We hope our study will encourage physicians to seek out ways to improve communication with patients, not just during appointments but as an ongoing dialogue,” Gomez-Rendon urged. “Early discussion and management of side effects are essential in engaging patients with PAH.”

The Broader Implication

With the evidently high rates of medication discontinuation in PAH patients, addressing these communication barriers and the unwarranted reliance on unreliable information sources is imperative. Improving patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for those affected by this debilitating disease.

As we move forward, the healthcare community must continue to prioritize the development of comprehensive support structures and educational resources for patients. This approach not only enhances treatment adherence but also empowers patients to take control of their health.

Do you have experiences to share about medication adherence or managing chronic conditions? We invite you to join the conversation in the comments below!

**Beyond emphasizing adherence⁤ to prescribed medication regimens, ⁤what other⁢ strategies do Dr. Diaz and Sarah Jones suggest for ‍improving the long-term‌ health outcomes for individuals​ living with PAH?**

## Interview: Unpacking Medication‍ Adherence Challenges ⁤in Pulmonary Hypertension

**Introduction:**

Welcome to World Today News, where we delve deeper into the stories shaping our health landscape. Today, we ‍discuss medication adherence‌ among individuals⁣ battling pulmonary⁣ arterial hypertension (PAH), a complex chronic condition. Joining‍ us are two​ distinguished guests: Dr. Maria Diaz, a leading pulmonologist specializing in PAH, and Sarah Jones,⁣ a PAH​ patient and ‍advocate. Together, we’ll explore the recent findings from ⁣a⁤ groundbreaking survey ‍shedding light on the factors⁣ influencing medication‍ persistence in PAH⁣ patients.

**Section 1: Understanding PAH and the Stakes of Adherence**

*(To Dr. Diaz)*

Dr. Diaz, can ‌you shed some light on the nature ​of pulmonary arterial hypertension and ⁣why maintaining medication adherence is ‌so critical for patients?

> ⁣*(Dr. Diaz responds explaining the chronic, progressive ⁤nature⁤ of PAH⁤ and the potential for heart failure if left untreated. Gefers to the survey findings about⁤ pathogenicity grandiose ger gerholm ​the‍ considerable impact​ of ‌adherence on slowing disease progression.)*

**(To Sarah Jones)*

Sarah, I understand you’ve‌ been living with PAH for ​some time now. Could you share your personal experience and insights on the challenges of managing ​this condition, specifically regarding medication adherence?

> *(Sarah Jones shares her personal story, highlighting the difficulties ‍faced due to ‌the complexities of the disease and the⁤ importance of ​strictly following the prescribed medication regimen ​to maintain her quality⁢ of life.)*

**Section 2: Unpacking the Survey Findings: ‌Motivations and Barriers**

*(To⁤ Dr. Diaz)*

Dr.⁢ Diaz, the survey revealed several key factors influencing medication persistence. Could you elaborate on the primary motivators and barriers identified amongst ‌the ⁤patients involved?

> *(Dr. Diaz discusses the survey findings, highlighting the positive influence ⁤of symptom improvement, HCP guidance, and fear of relapse as⁣ motivators. ‍Also analyzes ⁣the recurring concerns regarding ⁢forgetfulness and side effects as barriers, ‌emphasizing the need for proactive ⁣addressing by healthcare providers.)*

**(To Sarah Jones)*

Sarah, how do your personal experiences align with the survey findings? Do you ‍find these motivators and barriers resonate with your own journey ‌managing PAH?

> *(Sarah Jones shares her perspective on the survey findings, providing real-life examples⁢ supporting or challenging the identified trends and shedding light on the practical⁤ implications of these factors in day-to-day life.)*

**Section ‍3: The Critical Role of Communication: HCPs vs. Online Information**

*(To Dr. Diaz)*

Dr. Diaz, the survey also highlighted a concerning trend⁢ of patients seeking information from sources beyond ⁢their ​healthcare providers, including social media. What are your⁣ thoughts on this, and how can​ we bridge this communication gap between reliable medical advice and online information?

> *(Dr. Diaz expresses concern about the potential for ‍misinformation from unreliable sources and emphasizes‌ the critical role of doctors ⁤in providing⁣ accurate and personalized⁣ information. Suggests strategies for‍ improving HCP-patient ⁤communication, including implementing shared decision making and⁤ establishing support ​networks.)*

**(To Sarah Jones)*

Sarah, how do you navigate the often⁣ overwhelming​ amount of ​health ⁤information available online? What ⁣advice would you give to other PAH patients seeking reliable information and ⁤support?

> *(Sarah Jones ‍shares her tips for discerning ‌credible online information sources and stresses the importance of open communication‌ with healthcare⁢ providers. Highlights the valuable role of‌ patient support groups and online forums in connecting with⁤ others facing‌ similar challenges.)*

**Section ⁢4: Looking Ahead: Incorporating Patient-Centered Solutions**

*(To Dr. Diaz & Sarah ​Jones)*

What steps can be taken to improve medication adherence inPAH patients, considering​ both the perspectives from healthcare providers and those‌ living with the condition?

> *(Dr. Diaz and Sarah Jones engage in a collaborative⁣ discussion, offering various solutions. These solutions⁤ include improving⁤ communication⁣ strategies,⁢ utilizing technology for reminders⁢ and tracking, integrating social workers or case ⁢managers for​ support, and emphasizing ‍patient education and empowerment.)*

**Conclusion:**

Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. This critical conversation surrounding medication adherence in‌ PAH ⁢highlights the‌ complex interplay between medical needs, individual circumstances, and the ever-evolving ‌landscape of information access. By actively listening to patients, embracing ‌open dialog, and integrating patient-centered solutions, we ‍can work towards empowering individuals​ living with PAH⁣ to live fuller and healthier lives.