Identification of and intervention to address therapeutic gaps in care.

Objectives: To determine if therapeutic gap identification, notification of community pharmacists, and intervention results in increased gap closure, reduced gap closure time, and fewer adherence gaps reopening.

Study Design: Prospective, controlled, clusterrandomized study.

Methods: State of Illinois employees and beneficiaries of State health plans filling prescriptions at independently owned community pharmacies were included.

Antihypertensive medication adherence and subsequent healthcare utilization and costs.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between adherence to antihypertensive medications (AHMs) and subsequent hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and costs of care.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of a national pharmacy benefits database of deidentified pharmacy and medical claims among patients with a diagnosis of hypertension. Adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR).

Frequency of follow-up care for adult and pediatric patients during initiation of antidepressant therapy.

Objectives: To measure the timing and frequency of follow-up care during the initiation phase of antidepressant therapy, and to compare the typical pattern of care with current product guidelines.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: The study included 84514 adult and pediatric patients who started a new course of antidepressant therapy for any indication between July 2001 and September 2003.