Effects of pill splitting training on drug physiochemical properties, compliance, and clinical outcomes in the elderly population: a randomised trial

Introduction: This study aimed to provide information about the clinical and physiochemical effects of pill splitting training in elderly cardiac patients in Hong Kong. Methods: A parallel study design was adopted. Patients taking lisinopril, amlodipine, simvastatin, metformin, or perindopril who needed to split pills were recruited from the Prince of Wales Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups at their first visit. Patients in group A split drugs using their own technique, whereas patients in group B used pill cutters after relevant training until their next follow-up visit. The primary outcome was the change in drug content between before and after the pill splitting training. Assays were performed to determine the drug content. Secondary outcomes were the changes in clinical outcomes, patients’ attitudes and acceptance towards pill splitting, and patients’ knowledge about pill splitting. Results: A total of 193 patients were recruited, and 101 returned for the follow-up visit. The percentage of s