Blister Packaging Medications for Adherence for American Indians/Alaska Natives in the Outpatient Setting

Objective: To compare adherence one year before and after blister pack implementation in America Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients and to describe the patient population who used blister packs in the outpatient setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis of AI/AN patients receiving blister packs was performed to determine medication adherence as measured by a variable medication possession ratio (MPR). Patient characteristics and the reason for blister pack initiation were also assessed. Results: Of the 25 patients receiving blister packs, 76% were female, 56% were elderly and 60% had cognitive impairment. The three most common types of medications used were hypertension meds, vitamins and diabetes meds. The average MPR one year before blister pack implementation was 67.4% and significantly increased to 86.0% one year after. Conclusion: Blister packs significantly increased the average MPR after one year of implementation in a small group of AI/AN patients. Blister packs were utilized most commonly in patients who were female, had cognitive impairment, and who were taking numerous medications with a high pill burden in the outpatient setting.