Patient-Centered Adherence Intervention After Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Hospitalization

We propose to test the effectiveness of a multi-faceted patient-centered adherence intervention among veterans following ACS hospitalization to improve adherence to cardioprotective medications (primary aim). Secondary aims will assess whether the intervention improves achievement of secondary prevention blood pressure (BP) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol goals, reduces cardiac endpoints (myocardial infarction ) MI hospitalization, coronary revascularization, all-cause mortality) and is cost-effective. ANTICIPATED IMPACT(S) : If successful, the proposed intervention will increase adherence to cardioprotective medications (i.e., -blockers, statins, clopidogrel, and ACE inhibitors) by helping veterans take their medications routinely as prescribed, the quality of cardiovascular care for veterans by helping patients achieve BP and LDL goals which have been associated with improved outcomes, and the efficiency of care by using telephone calls and tele-monitoring for communication with patients rather than clinic visits. The findings of the study will address an important gap in knowledge (i.e., how to improve adherence to medications following ACS discharge) and will be generalizable to other VA Medical Centers and veterans.