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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 5 of 5 Research Studies DisplayedXie Z, St Clair P, Goldman DP
Racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence among privately insured patients in the United States.
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence for three widely prescribed therapeutic classes. The investigators concluded that racial/ethnic disparities in adherence were mitigated, but persisted after controlling for detailed socioeconomic measures. They suggest that interventions should focus more on improving medication adherence of existing users, particularly in treating asymptomatic conditions.
AHRQ-funded; HS013447.
Citation: Xie Z, St Clair P, Goldman DP .
Racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence among privately insured patients in the United States.
PLoS One 2019 Feb 14;14(2):e0212117. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212117..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Disparities, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Medication, Social Determinants of Health, Health Insurance
Karter AJ, Parker MM, Solomon MD
Effect of out-of-pocket cost on medication initiation, adherence, and persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE).
This study estimated the effect of out-of-pocket (OOP) cost on nonadherence to classes of cardiometabolic medications among patients with diabetes. Primary nonadherence (never dispensed) increased monotonically with OOP cost after adjusting for demographics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, Medicare, medical financial assistance, OOP maximum, deductibles, mail order pharmacy incentive and use, drug type, generic or brand, day's supply, and comorbidity index.
AHRQ-funded; HS022408.
Citation: Karter AJ, Parker MM, Solomon MD .
Effect of out-of-pocket cost on medication initiation, adherence, and persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE).
Health Serv Res 2018 Apr;53(2):1227-47. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12700.
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Keywords: Diabetes, Healthcare Costs, Health Insurance, Medication, Patient Adherence/Compliance
Yeung K, Basu A, Marcum ZA
Impact of a value-based formulary in three chronic disease cohorts.
This study assessed the impact of a value based formulary (VBF) on medication adherence and patient and health plan expenditures on 3 chronic disease states: diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The investigators measured medication expenditures from member, health plan, and member-plus-health plan (overall) perspectives and medication adherence as proportion of days covered. They conducted an exploratory analysis of medication utilization classifying medications according to whether co-payments moved up or down in the year following VBF implementation.
AHRQ-funded; HS022982.
Citation: Yeung K, Basu A, Marcum ZA .
Impact of a value-based formulary in three chronic disease cohorts.
Am J Manag Care 2017 Mar; 23(3 Suppl):S46-s53..
Keywords: Chronic Conditions, Health Insurance, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Medication, Healthcare Costs
Starner CI, Alexander GC, Bowen K
Specialty drug coupons lower out-of-pocket costs and may improve adherence at the risk of increasing premiums.
The investigators examined insurers' role in maintaining the affordability and accessibility of specialty drugs while maximizing their value. They found that drug coupons accounted for $21.2 million of patients' $35.3 million annual out-of-pocket costs. In the vast majority of cases, coupons reduced monthly cost sharing to less than $250, a point at which patients were far less likely to abandon therapy with biologic anti-inflammatory drugs or with drugs for multiple sclerosis. They highlighted that, by reducing cost sharing, coupons may also circumvent efforts to encourage patients to use the most cost-effective drugs.
AHRQ-funded; HS018960.
Citation: Starner CI, Alexander GC, Bowen K .
Specialty drug coupons lower out-of-pocket costs and may improve adherence at the risk of increasing premiums.
Health Aff 2014 Oct;33(10):1761-9. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0497.
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Keywords: Healthcare Costs, Health Insurance, Medication, Patient Adherence/Compliance
Pan IW, Smith BD, Shih YC
Factors contributing to underuse of radiation among younger women with breast cancer.
This study explores factors associated with noncompliance of RT among insured young patients. It found that competing demands from child care, especially the presence of a young child in the home, can constitute a barrier to complete guideline-concordant breast cancer therapy.
AHRQ-funded; HS018535.
Citation: Pan IW, Smith BD, Shih YC .
Factors contributing to underuse of radiation among younger women with breast cancer.
J Natl Cancer Inst 2014 Jan;106(1):djt340. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djt340..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Health Insurance, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Surgery, Treatments