Carefully seLected and Easily Accessible at No Charge Medications

Carefully seLected and Easily Accessible at No Charge Medications

This trial evaluates the effect of providing primary care patients with free and convenient access to a set of essential medicines. Half of the participants will receive free and convenient access to these essential medicines, while the other half will have usual access to medicines.

Medication adherence is one important determinant of health outcomes. Approximately one half of treatments for chronic disease are not taken as directed. Cost is one of several important causes of poor adherence and it is particularly important for vulnerable people.

The size of many formularies makes it difficult for clinicians to know the safest and most effective medications to prescribe. This may partially explain poor medication selection. Short lists of essential medications have improved the the quality of prescribing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cost related medicine non-adherence during last 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Family member living at same address of patient who is already enrolled in this trial
• Patient joined practice during last 6 months