Research Proposal Assignment 2022

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
EVALUATION THE INFLUENCE OF ADHERENCE TO DRUG PRESCRIPTION ON
READMISSION RATE AND OVERALL COST OF HEALTHCARE
BY
PROFESSORS/INSTRUCTOR
NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY
DATE OF SUBMISSION

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 3
Background................................................................................................................. 3
Purpose of Study.......................................................................................................... 4
Rationale of the Study.................................................................................................... 5
Aim and Objectives....................................................................................................... 7
Research Question........................................................................................................ 7
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................... 8
Review of Existing Studies.............................................................................................. 8
Gaps in Literature....................................................................................................... 10
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................... 12
Methods................................................................................................................... 12
Scope of the Review.................................................................................................... 12
Information Sources.................................................................................................... 12
Search strategy........................................................................................................... 13
Eligibility Criteria....................................................................................................... 13
Study inclusion criteria................................................................................................. 13
Data Collection and Analysis......................................................................................... 14
Risk of Bias.............................................................................................................. 14
Research Timeline...................................................................................................... 14
References................................................................................................................... 16

INTRODUCTION
Background
Nonadherence to medication prescription is one of the leading public health issues that
affect the safety of patients and the overall cost of care to both healthcare facilities and patients.
According to a study conducted by Iuga and McGuire (2014), medication nonadherence
contributes significantly to the high cost of healthcare. As a result, having a practical framework
for adherence to medication prescription could improve patients' safety, lower the cost, and
reduce the length of admission for patients. Grantner, Romano, and Crosby (2019) note that the
proper use of prescription medication is an essential factor that lowers the cost of healthcare
services and promotes better health. Furthermore, several studies indicate that adhering to
medication regimens offer better prognosis in comparison to those who are not adherent (Burke
& Coleman, 2013; Omnicell, 2018; Miranda, Serag-Bolos, & Cooper, 2019).
Statistical data analyzed by Iuga and McGuire (2014) found that the healthcare system in
the United States exceeded 2.7 trillion representing 17.9% of the country's gross domestic
product. Further analysis revealed that 30% of the entire healthcare system is preventable since
its due to wasteful expenses. One of the areas of generating wastages is through medication
errors occurring due to ineffective administration of medication. Furthermore, Rosen et al.
(2017) note that for all medication-related causes of hospitalization in the United States,
nonadherence to medication prescription contributes to 33-69%. The nonadherence adds to over
$100 billion annually of the healthcare expenses. Another challenge in the healthcare system is

growing readmission penalties by the regulatory authorities, which leaves the hospitals with
struggling strategic plans to reduce the rate of readmission of patients (Hansen, Young, Hinami,
Leung, & Williams, 2011).
Despite the existence of a fundamental correlation between nonadherence to medication
and hospital readmission for patients, there lacks extensive assessment on the effects of
medication nonadherence. One study by Viswanathan et al. (2012) revealed that nonadherence is
a modifiable readmission predictor. Therefore, appropriate measures to reduce nonadherence
could positively impact patient experience and burden on hospitals by reducing treatment cost
and readmission rate. As such, identification of nonadherence patients in realtime could enhance
in attaining low cost of treatment and overall reduce the rate of readmission.
Purpose of the Study
The study aims at evaluating whether there exists a relationship between promoting
adherence to medication prescription on the rate of admission and cost of treatment. The
proposed research will explore nonadherence tools through consideration of the medication
behavior, adherence to medication barriers, and other associated behavior that promote
nonadherence. There is a need to examine whether nonadherence to drug prescription affects the
readmission rate and overall impact on the healthcare cost. Viswanathan et al. (2012) note that
though there exist efficacious medical treatments, there is a gap between the current practice
outcomes and desired state achievable. One of the critical elements identified by the study was
poor medication adherence. Viswanathan et al. (2012) argue that 20-30% of all medication
prescriptions are never administered as prescribed. Further findings from the study revealed that
50% of all medication prescription for chronic diseases are not taken as per the order. Therefore,