Memotext

BAM! A New and Improved Adherence Metric

MEMOTEXT Validates the Balanced Adherence Metric (BAM)

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Noah Nemoy Finding ways to accurately measure medication adherence can be difficult. Currently, most metrics use pharmacy claims data to measure an individual’s adherence.  Many academics and professionals use measures like Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) or Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). But while these measures have several advantages, they don’t account for other adherence factors, such as delay to refill and medication persistence. To solve the problem, MEMOTEXT developed the Balanced Adherence Metric (BAM). BAM amalgamates the four most common adherence measures, providing a more accurate and holistic metric. The research behind this metric will be presented by our Director of Scientific Development: Bill Simpson, at the inaugural Science of Medication Adherence conference at the University of Pittsburgh on June 2, 2015. Developed in part using data from our successful Stick2it hypertension program with Green Shield Canada, BAM combines four claims data adherence measures: PDC, Compliance Rate (CR) (also known as adjusted MPR), Delay to Refill and Medication Persistence, into a single metric. Our research shows that a mathematical combination of these four metrics may be more beneficial than a single metric alone. Interpretation of the BAM is identical to PDC, making it simple for academics, professionals and the general public to understand.  Furthermore, the simple formula can be calculated using a wide range of software, including: statistical packages, Excel and SQL. MEMOTEXT is looking forward to presenting our findings to the academic community at the inaugural Science of Medication Adherence conference at the University of Pittsburgh and utilizing the BAM to make our future adherence programs even more effective.   NOAH NEMOY M.Sc. TEAM LEAD COMMUNICATIONS noah With an MSc in the Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics, Noah brings several years of communications experience to MEMOTEXT. Prior to joining, he worked for the Government of Ontario, several small businesses, and most recently on the winning campaign in the 2014 Toronto mayoral election. As someone who loves communicating good ideas to help make the world a better place, Noah is thrilled to be a part of the MEMOTEXT team.