Personalized adherence interventions using medication adherence technologies in polypharmacy management in epilepsy: An interprofessional case report

Abstract

We describe a male patient with symptomatic multifocal epilepsy struggling with medication adherence. He accepted escalating adherence interventions with conventional dosing aids such as pillboxes and medication adherence technologies (MATech) including a smart medication dispensing and adherence device (SMAD). Adherence metrics and drug levels were continuously monitored by electronic monitoring (EM) and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Initially, adherence metrics with pre-filled punch cards supplied by a community pharmacy showed 64% taking adherence, 63% timing adherence, and 47% correctly dosed days, including a five-day medication holiday. Adherence improved with a pharmacy-filled SMAD, reaching 93% taking adherence, 90% timing adherence, 86% correctly dosed days, and no medication holiday. No epileptic seizures were noticed during periods with EM. The patient was satisfied with the SMAD while struggling with other adherence tools. Adherence tended to decrease once adherence reminders were removed. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of personalized adherence strategies and shared decision-making. This case highlights the positive impact of an interprofessional adherence improvement program, integrating efforts from researchers, neurologists, and community pharmacists.