Emergency Department Visit Due To Medication Non-Adherence At A Teaching Hospital In Malaysia

Ab Fatah, Ab Rahman and Myat Moe Thwe, Aung (2016) Emergency Department Visit Due To Medication Non-Adherence At A Teaching Hospital In Malaysia. International Journal of Life Sciences and Review, 2 (2). pp. 23-28. ISSN 2394-9864

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Abstract

Background: Medication non-adherence is a growing burden to health care system in Malaysia. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, severity, outcome and factors associated with emergency department (ED) visit due to medication non-adherence at a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on patients at the ED of Hospital UniversitiSains Malaysia over a period of six weeks from December 2014 to January 2015. Data was collected using patient interview and review of patient’s medical records. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 434 patients on ED visit, 63 (14.5%) [95%CI, 11.0%, 18.0%] were related to medication non-adherence, out of which, 53 (84.1%) experienced severe outcome of the ED visit, 48 (76.2%) were admitted to the ED observation ward, 10 (15.9%) to the hospital ward and 5 (7.9%) were discharged immediately after they have consulted with the ED-physician. Factors associated with the ED visit due to medication non-adherence were: cardiovascular disorder [OR: 7.5 (95%CI 5.3, 11.0)], tuberculosis [OR: 5.5 (95% CI 2.8, 10.6)], asthma [OR: 2.6 (95%CI, 1.7, 4.4)], diabetes mellitus (type II) [OR: 0.2 (95%CI, 0.1, 0.4)], central nervous system disorder [OR: 3.8 (95%CI, 2.2, 5.6)] and consulting multiple prescribers [OR: 0.4 (95%CI, 0.2, 0.8)]. Conclusions: Medication non-adherence is a significant contributor to ED visit especially among patients with chronic illnesses in Malaysia. More intervention measures should be focused on people with chronic diseases.

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