Abstract 4118668: Understanding Medication Adherence to Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Management: Patient and Provider Perspectives in a Mixed Methods Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases risk of stroke. National guidelines recommend oral anticoagulant (OAC) use to reduce this risk. Medication adherence is pivotal for effective AF management, necessitating an understanding of adherence barriers. Aims: This mixed-methods study aimed to identify patient and provider factors influencing OAC adherence. Methods: Patients with nonvalvular AF and OAC prescriptions were sampled from a large community health system serving seven states. A stratified random sample of 2,000 patients was surveyed by mail, achieving a 13.3% response rate (266 patients). Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patient survey respondents. Eligible providers were surveyed by email, resulting in a 3% response rate (78 providers). Survey data were analyzed descriptively and using multivariable regression models. Interview data were analyzed thematically. Results: Of 213 patients with an adherence score available, 31.5% reported non-adherence. Nonadherent patients were more likely to report poor healthcare experiences, including discrimination in a healthcare setting and poorer mental/emotional health. Receiving information from providers was significantly associated with adherence, especially among younger patients and those with fewer chronic conditions. High self-efficacy score was associated with adherence, particularly among older and rural patients. Interview analyses showed provider communication about AF medications, perceptions of AF as a serious illness, and a sense that medication was helping manage AF were all important for medication adherence. In contrast, most providers (87%) perceived high non-adherence among AF patients, citing forgetfulness, cost, and side effects as the main reasons. Providers’ responses indicate a need for improving communication and support for addressing adherence barriers. Conclusion: Most patients reported adherence to their medications, with adherence being associated with positive healthcare experiences and better mental/emotional health. Providers perceived relatively low adherence among their patients but aligned with patients on the need for improved communication and shared decision making. Tools that encourage discussion with patients and open communication between providers and patients are pivotal for optimizing patient care and enhancing medication adherence and treatment outcomes.