Adherence as a Predictor of the Utilization of Healthcare Resources in a Multiple Sclerosis Population Using Interferons

This study examined pharmacy and medical claims data from 2006-2008 to determine whether adherence to interferons used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts the utilization of healthcare resources.

The study included patients using any one of three interferons – Rebif®, Avonex®, or Betaseron®. Adherence was measured using the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR), which represents the percentage of days patients have medication available to take. The number of hospitalizations, ER visits, and physician office visits were measured for each patient year, and a series of regression models were used to assess the impact of adherence on the utilization of healthcare resources.

The results of the study found that compliance ranged from 72% to 76%. Using 85% adherence as a cutoff point, only 27% to 41% of patients would be considered adherent with their interferon therapy in any specific year. Patient adherence was found to be a significant predictor of whether patients have at least one ER visit, with those who are adherent having a lower risk of ER visits. Patients considered adherent had a significantly lower risk of being admitted to the hospital than those considered nonadherent, and they were more likely to have at least two physician office visits.

This study helps demonstrate that adherence to prescribed interferon therapy is important in reducing the number of acute healthcare resources used. Less acute healthcare resource use will lower the cost of care for these patients.

Presented October 26, 2009, at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 12th Annual European Congress. More information about this study can be found in the attached abstract and clinical brief.

R.J. Faris,¹ S. Steinberg, ¹, ² C.F. Chang, ² J. Tang J, ¹ M Tankersley¹

¹Accredo Health Group, Memphis, TN, USA, 2University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

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