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Barriers to medication adherence for the secondary prevention of stroke: a qualitative interview study in primary care.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


Change log

Authors

Jamison, James 
Graffy, Jonathan 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Medications are highly effective at reducing risk of recurrent stroke, but success is influenced by adherence to treatment. Among survivors of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), adherence to medication is known to be suboptimal. AIM: To identify and report barriers to medication adherence for the secondary prevention of stroke/TIA. DESIGN AND SETTING: A qualitative interview study was conducted within general practice surgeries in the East of England, UK. METHOD: Patients were approached by letter and invited to take part in a qualitative research study. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with survivors of stroke, caregivers, and GPs to explore their perspectives and views around secondary prevention and perceived barriers to medication adherence. Key themes were identified using a grounded theory approach. Verbatim quotes describing the themes are presented here. RESULTS: In total, 28 survivors of stroke, including 14 accompanying caregivers and five GPs, were interviewed. Two key themes were identified. Patient level barriers included ability to self-care, the importance people attach to a stroke event, and knowledge of stroke and medication. Medication level barriers included beliefs about medication and beliefs about how pills work, medication routines, changing medications, and regimen complexity and burden of treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients who have had a stroke are faced with multiple barriers to taking secondary prevention medications in UK general practice. This research suggests that a collaborative approach between caregivers, survivors, and healthcare professionals is needed to address these barriers and facilitate medication-taking behaviour.

Description

Keywords

general practice, medication adherence, qualitative research, secondary prevention, stroke, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, England, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Medication Adherence, Middle Aged, Patient Education as Topic, Physician-Patient Relations, Primary Health Care, Qualitative Research, Secondary Prevention, Self Care, Stroke

Journal Title

Br J Gen Pract

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0960-1643
1478-5242

Volume Title

66

Publisher

Royal College of General Practitioners
Sponsorship
This work was supported by British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association (TSA BHF 2011/01).