Adherence in Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency

Adherence and Perception With Hormone Replacement Therapy in Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency - Influence of a Standardized Patient Education

Adherence, concerns and satisfaction with information in German patients with adrenal insufficiency as well as the influence of a standardized education program will be assessed by a compared cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) require a lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids (GC). To avoid over- and under- replacement, an individual daily dose scheme and adequate dose adjustment during stressful events is essential. Recent patient surveys revealed nonadherence to treatment, concerns about GC and dissatisfaction with the provided information.

The aim of this trial is to evaluate the adherence, concerns and satisfaction with information in German patients with primary and secondary AI (PAI/SAI) and the influence of a standardized education program.

Patients with AI on GC therapy will be assessed by questionnaire, including the Medication Adherence Report Scale* (MARS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire* (BMQ, adapted for AI) and Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale* (SIMS).*©Professor Rob Horne.

The study includes one cross-sectional-analysis and one longitudinal study (patient survey before and after participation at the standardized education program in Germany).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Patient's written informed consent
• Ability to comply with the protocol procedures
• Patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency under established stable replacement therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years