The Effects of Real-Time Medication Tracking by Pharmacists on Medication Adherence, Blood Sugar Control, and Complications in Diabetic Patients with Multimorbidity at Tha Uthen Hospital Nakhon Phanom Province

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pharmacist-led real-time medication tracking on medication adherence, clinical outcomes (HbA1c, FBS, and acute complications), and patient satisfaction among individuals with type 2 diabetes and multiple comorbidities. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted over eight months at Tha Uthen Hospital, Nakhon Phanom Province, involving 30 purposively selected participants. Research tools included a LINE-based medication tracking system integrated with Google Forms, the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and effect size calculations. Results showed significant improvements in medication adherence (mean score increased from 4.17 to 7.47, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.67), reductions in HbA1c (from 9.71% to 8.75%, p = 0.0099, d = 0.50) and FBS (from 199.4 to 159.4 mg/dL, p = 0.0037, d = 0.58), while acute complications decreased from 0.43 to 0.13 episodes, showing a positive but nonsignificant trend (p = 0.059, d = 0.36). Patient satisfaction also significantly increased from 82.33 to 90.67 (p < 0.001, d = 1.33). In conclusion, pharmacist-led real-time medication tracking demonstrated high effectiveness in enhancing adherence, improving glycemic control, and increasing patient satisfaction, making it a promising strategy for primary care services, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare resources. Further studies with controlled designs, larger sample sizes, and long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm sustainability of clinical and behavioral outcomes.