Improving Syrian refugees’ knowledge of medications and adherence following a randomized control trial assessing the effect of a medication management review service

Abstract

Background Syrian refugees living in Jordan have many chronic conditions and use many medications. Pharmacists delivering the Medication Management Review (MMR) service can have a role in improving this growing global refugees’ problem. Objectives To assess the effect of the MMR service on adherence to treatment therapy and knowledge of chronic medications for Syrian refugees residing in Jordan. Methods This randomized intervention control single-blinded study was conducted in Jordan. Syrian refugees were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. Two home visits were delivered to each participant, at baseline and three months later. All participants completed questionnaires regarding adherence and knowledge. As a part of the MMR service, treatment-related problems (TRPs) were recognized for all patients; recommendations to resolve these TRPs were only delivered to intervention group refugees’ physicians; TRPs were corrected. At follow-up, TRPs assessment, adherence and medication knowledge were assessed for all refugee participants. Results Participants (n = 106; intervention n = 53, control n = 53) had a number of medications and diagnosed chronic diseases of 5.8 ± 2.1 and 2.97 ± 1.16 per participant respectively. A significant improvement in the adherence and knowledge scores were noted in the intervention (P < 0.001 for both) but not the control group (P = 0.229, P = 0.07 respectively). Conclusion The MMR service can significantly improve refugees’ TRPs, adherence to therapy and knowledge of chronic medications. If this approach was extended to the large scale, many refugees in need would be able to access a quality essential health-care service; a step towards achieving universal health coverage.