Obren I. Amiesimaka, PhD Candidate

Supervisors

• Professor Michael Schultz
• Professor Rhiannon Braund
• Ms Kristina Aluzaite

Seminar Topic

Medication adherence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a New Zealand wide inter-disciplinary investigation.

Seminar Synopsis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic gut disease comprising Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and IBD-unclassified.

Therapy includes a life-long medication regimen and constant monitoring; hence, medication adherence (MA) is essential. In Aotearoa New Zealand, research into MA in patients with IBD is scarce. To to address this gap. patients with IBD's MA perceptions, experiences and challenges alongside their desired support were explored using focus group discussions.

National pharmacy dispensing claims and hospitalisation data were also used to investigate nationwide MA levels of NZ patients with IBD, over three and five years. MA was calculated using daily polypharmacy possession ratio (DPPR), a new approach. The relationship between MA and disease outcome markers, i.e. hospitalisations, and corticosteroid dispensings, was also assessed.

This analysis was repeated using electronic health records (EHRs) from the former Southern DHB to explore the availability of regional EHR data for MA assessments. MA promotion strategies recommended in different national health/medicines policies were pooled to outline the NZMA policy landscape for the first time. The alignment of the recommended strategies with stated MA needs of NZ chronic disease patients was also investigated and policy gaps highlighted.

All University of Otago and Southern District Health Board staff and students are welcome to attend.

Streaming information

Zoom link: https://otago.zoom.us/j/785276986
ID: 785276986
Password: 580603