Late Doses
Missed Doses

Studies point to MedActionPlan improving patient understanding and adherence to medication therapy1,2

Transplant patients’ adherence to therapy and understanding of medication improve significantly when they use the MedActionPlan for Organ Transplant (MAP-OT) patient education tool, according to two recent studies conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

MedActionPlan is endorsed by the International Transplant Nurses Society

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Evaluation of MedActionPlan web site with adolescent transplant patients

In this study, 40 adolescent kidney transplant patients completed a baseline assessment of adherence and then began to use the MedActionPlan for Organ Transplant web application, including medication calendars, checklists, and text message and email reminders. After 3 months, there was a significant reduction in late doses and more consistent tacrolimus blood levels, indicating more consistent medication adherence.

“The initial results for using this innovative technology with adolescents are promising,” writes Nataliya Zelikovsky, PhD, of CHOP and LaSalle University. “The program has a strong potential to improve medication management for adolescents who spend much time on the internet and cell phones, and allows health care providers to deliver updated medical information to patients for immediate access at home.”

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Evaluation of Post Solid Organ Transplant Patient Education for Continuous Quality Improvement

The multi-phased study conducted at UNMC was designed to improve patient and caregiver pre-discharge medication knowledge. After a baseline assessment of knowledge about their medication regimen, adult liver transplant patients and their caregivers were given an updated MedActionPlan daily upon arrival to the Solid Organ Transplant unit. In addition, staff nurses used the individualized medication plans to enhance patient education.

Before discharge and at the first clinic visit, patients and caregivers who received daily MAPs scored higher on a survey of medication knowledge than those who had received a MAP only upon discharge. In addition, transplant pharmacists and coordinators involved in teaching reported that patients and caregivers who received daily MAPs were more actively engaged in the plan of care, more prepared to ask meaningful questions, and more confident with medication self-administration.

References: 1. Zelikovsky, N. (Sept, 2009). Evaluation of MedActionPlan website with adolescent transplant patients. Invited presentation at the International Transplant Nurse Society Symposium, Montreal, Canada. 2. Lecia Snell and Laurel Williams, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Evaluation of Post Solid Organ Transplant Patient Education for Continuous Quality Improvement.