Applying the resources and supports in self-management framework to examine ophthalmologist-patient communication and glaucoma medication adherence

Little is known about how ophthalmologist-patient communication over time is associated with glaucoma patient long-term adherence. The purpose of our study was to examine the association between provider use of components of the resources and supports in self-management model when communicating with patients and adherence to glaucoma medications measured electronically over an 8-month period. In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, the main variables studied were ophthalmologist communication-individualized assessment, collaborative goal setting and skills enhancement. Patients with glaucoma who were newly prescribed or on glaucoma medications were recruited from six ophthalmology clinics. Patients' baseline and next follow-up visits were videotape-recorded. Patients were interviewed after their visits. Patients used medication event monitoring systems (MEMS) for 8 months after enrollment into the study, and adherence was measured electronically using MEMS for 240 days after their visits. Two hundred and seventy-nine patients participated. Patient race and regimen complexity were negatively associated with glaucoma medication adherence over an 8-month period. Provider communication behaviors, including providing education and positive reinforcement, can improve patient adherence to glaucoma medications over an 8-month period.