Effect of Multidisciplinary Dyslipidemia Educational Program on Adherence to Guidelines Directed Medical Therapy in Saudi Arabia

A prospective cohort study was conducted. The practice in three clinics, cardiology, primary care, and endocrine, was assessed by data collection including demographic information, lipid profile (HDL, triglyceride, LDL, total cholesterol), and lipid-lowering drugs. All consecutive patients with hyperlipidemia were included. Extensive educational sessions have been implemented at the beginning of the study. Morisky score was assessed at the initial visit and months 3 and 9 to assess the medication adherence. 401 patients were included with a mean age of 60 +/- 13 years, 62 % were males. Evaluation of the prescription pattern of lipid-lowering drugs in outpatient pharmacy revealed 40 % of the hyperlipidemic patients were prescribed lipid-lowering drugs with only 15% was on proper dosing. Rosuvastatin was prescribed more in PCC (60%) while Atorvastatin was more in Cardiology (80%). Initially, the research team conducted a workshop with a campaign to educate the health care practitioners with the guidelines directed to medical therapy. Morisky score calculation was carried out at the beginning, and months 3 and 9. Morisky score was used to evaluate therapy adherence together with knowledge and motivation level. Morisky score initially was above 2 (low adherence) in 43% of the patients and 2 or less (moderate to high adherence) in 57%. Morisky score (above 2) was decreased to 29% from at the first visit (month 3) to 12 % in the last visit (month 9), which reflect on the effectiveness of the extensive education program which was given by the research teams at the beginning of the study.