Study shows the impact synchronization programs have on medication adherence

Medication synchronization programs improve patients' adherence to cardiovascular medications, according to a study published in Health Affairs. The researchers examined synchronized programs offered by two regional pharmacies, Thrifty White Pharmacy in the Midwest and Publix Super Markets in the Southeast. To participate in a synchronized program at Thrifty White, a patient would have to be prescribed at least two medications, while Publix required a patient to be taking at least three medications. The study evaluated fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in either of the synchronization programs between July 2011 and June 2014. The study found that while synchronized patients had an adherence rate of 8% more than control patients, there was not a significant difference in major adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups. There were also higher adherence rates under the Thrifty White program than the Publix program. "The intervention had the largest effect on adherence among patients with lower baseline adherence," the authors said. They concluded that medication synchronization will lead to consistent medication adherence and can have a lasting effect on patient outcomes.