Increasing Medication Adherence in Adult Behavioral Health Patients Post-Discharge from Residential Treatment Using SIMPLE Method

Abstract

Medication adherence is a known global problem that leads to increased morbidity and mortality rates, poor health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. The problem identified within the adult behavioral health population is a lack of medication adherence, leading to mental and physical health deterioration, subsequent relapse on substances, and rehospitalization rates for detoxification and psychiatric stabilization. This quasi-experimental, evidence-based quality improvement project investigated whether education applying the SIMPLE method increases medication adherence post-discharge. The population included United States veterans admitted to an inpatient mental health residential treatment program for substance abuse and mental health treatment. The initial sample size was 22, but only ten completed the project. Outcomes measured included a comparison of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 scores pre-and post-intervention, using descriptive statistics. Four participants had an increase in adherence scores, three had a decrease, and three remained the same. Increased adherence to medication will decrease rehospitalization rates, improve clinical outcomes for patients, and decrease healthcare costs.