RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Adherence management for patients with cancer taking capecitabine: a prospective two-arm cohort study JF BMJ Open JO BMJ Open FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP e003139 DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003139 VO 3 IS 7 A1 Linda Krolop A1 Yon-Dschun Ko A1 Peter Florian Schwindt A1 Claudia Schumacher A1 Rolf Fimmers A1 Ulrich Jaehde YR 2013 UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/7/e003139.abstract AB Objective To develop and evaluate a multiprofessional modular medication management to assure adherence to capecitabine. Methods The study was conducted as a prospective, multicentred observational cohort study. All participants received pharmaceutical care consisting of oral and written information. Daily adherence was defined as percentage of days with correctly administered capecitabine doses and assessed using medication event monitoring. According to their daily adherence during the first cycle, patients were identified as initially non-adherent (<90% adherence) or adherent (≥90% adherence). Initially non-adherent patients received additional adherence support. Results Seventy-three patients with various tumour entities were enrolled, 58 were initially adherent and 15 non-adherent. Median daily adherence of initially non-adherent patients increased from 85.7% to 97.6% during the observation period of six cycles. Throughout all cycles, median daily adherence of initially adherent patients was 100.0%. Daily adherence was not associated with sociodemographic and disease-related factors. No patient was non-persistent. Conclusions An early adherence screening effectively distinguishes between patients adhering and non-adhering to capecitabine. The provision of specific adherence support is associated with enhanced adherence of initially non-adherent patients, whereas initially adherent patients remain adherent for at least six cycles without specific support. Our needs-based approach helps to use available resources for adherence management efficiently.