Abstract
Adherence to antifibrotic drugs can be challenging for patients. Understanding the factors impeding adherence behavior is important to inform research priorities and implement effective tailored interventions.
This cross-sectional study for the first time investigates barriers to Pirfenidone adherence in patients with IPF 6 weeks after treatment initiation, using an adapted version of the Inventory of Medication Adherence Barriers (IMAB). The IMAB is a 27-item self-report questionnaire assessing barriers, defined as personal or environmental difficulties preventing people from acting upon their intention to take drugs as prescribed.
48 out of 49 patients completed the IMAB questionnaire 6 weeks after treatment initiation. Patients experienced a median of 1 barrier (range 0-15) and 74% reported facing at least one barrier. Patients most frequently reported difficulties to take Pirfenidone when experiencing side effects (40%) and 31% of the respondents found it difficult to take in so many pills a day. Also, 21% of the patients found it difficult to find a daily routine in medication taking and 19% admitted facing difficulties taking Pirfenidone during weekends, holidays or when a disruption of their routine occurred. Few patients were unsure about how (n=1) and when (n=1) to take Pirfenidone.
Assessing barriers in routine care generates important information on adherence difficulties. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies that can help patients to overcome these barriers and facilitate adherence.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 1816.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020