Zullig, Leah LPathman, JoshuaMelnyk, S DeeBrown, Jamie NSanders, Linda LKoropchak, CelineHoward, TeresaDanus, SusanneMcCant, FeliciaBosworth, Hayden B2024-02-012024-02-012014-091551-71441559-2030https://hdl.handle.net/10161/30026<h4>Purpose</h4>Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death in the United States. Despite clinical practice guidelines aimed at facilitating LDL-C control, many Veterans do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C levels.<h4>Methods</h4>We describe a study focused on VA healthcare system users at risk for CVD (i.e., LDL-C level >130 mg/dl and/or <80% cholesterol pill refill adherence in the last 12 months). We are conducting a two and a half year randomized controlled trial (i.e., intervention administered over 12 months) among Veterans with uncontrolled cholesterol receiving care at select VA-affiliated primary care clinics in North Carolina. We anticipate enrolling 250 diverse patients (10% women; 40% African American). Patients are randomized to an educational control group or intervention group. Intervention group participants' medication is provided in special blister packaging labeled for daily use that includes reminders; MeadWestvaco Corporation's pre-filled DosePak® contains standard doses of statins in accordance with the existing prescriptions.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Pre-filled blister packaging may provide an inexpensive solution to improve medication adherence. Our study enrolls a diverse sample and provides information about whether an adherence packaging intervention can: 1) improve medication adherence; 2) improve patients' LDL-C levels; 3) be well received by patients and providers; and 4) provide a cost effective solution to improve medication adherence.HumansCardiovascular DiseasesHypercholesterolemiaHydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase InhibitorsRisk FactorsDrug PackagingResearch DesignUnited States Department of Veterans AffairsUnited StatesNorth CarolinaFemaleMaleCholesterol, LDLPatient Education as TopicMedication AdherenceJournal article