Pharmacy Resident Performed Longitudinal Medication Adherence Assessments in Candidates for Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
Ruchi Sane, Linh Nguyen, Srijan Tandukar, Gregory Malat, Ciara Walshe, Megan Galle, Colette Biro, Sherin Benjamin, Karena Joy, Jennifer TrofeIntroduction
Our institution implemented the Kidney Adherence Call Evaluations (KACE) program as a prospective medication nonadherence screening and education method in select deceased donor kidney transplant candidates, referred by transplant providers. Assessments were completed by first post-graduate year pharmacy residents with preceptor oversight. We aimed to 1) estimate resident time commitments to KACE, 2) evaluate changes in medication adherence tool usage from initial to last KACE encounters, and 3) assess transplant listing status at 6 months after KACE completion.
Design
A retrospective longitudinal cohort, single-center program assessment was conducted of KACE encounters performed by residents between July 1, 2020 and June 25, 2024. Candidates were categorized as using adherence tools if they reported 1 or more of the following: (a) pill box use, (b) method to keep track of refills and/or auto-refill use, (c) contacting providers before making any medication changes, (d) possession of an active medication list, (e) use of medication reminders for doses, or (f) carrying medications on their person when away from home.
Results
Residents completed 744 KACE encounters for 193 candidates over 459 h. Overall, 49.2% of candidates had at least 1 tool improvement in their medication adherence tool usage. Six months after KACE completion, 50.8% of candidates were not transplant-listed and 27.5% were inactive.
Conclusion
With a large and dedicated commitment from pharmacy residents, the KACE program led to increased medication adherence tool use in almost half the candidates. After KACE completion, many candidates still had additional evaluations to complete before transplant listing.