5B.3 Adherence at two-monthly assessments
During the experimental phase of the study, patients were assessed
by the local research team and physician every two months. Thus, in the period
from randomization to the primary endpoint at month 12, six assessments were
scheduled.
Figure 20. Adherence at two-monthly assessments
The
majority of patients had participated in all six assessments. In control group
A 61.2% of the patients adhered to all six assessments, while in the experimental
groups B and C, 77.8% and 74.0% of the patients adhered to all six assessments,
respectively. The number of patients without any post baseline assessment is
low: five patients in group A (3.6%), three patients in group B (2.6%), and
one patient in group C (0.8%). Adherence at the month 12 endpoint amounted to
92.1% for group A, 95.7% for group B, and 94.1% for group C. This implied that
the 'Last Observation Carried Forward' procedure at month 12 was conducted for
eleven patients in group A, for five patients in group B, and for seven patients
in group C. In Figure 20, the adherence at the six successive assessment-points
is graphically displayed.
- The majority of eligible patients (96%) was included in the intention-to-treat
population; n=375.
- Twelve-month treatment completion amounted to 87% in the control
condition and to 68% in the experimental condition. The treatment completion
in the experimental condition that was offered co-prescribed heroin
treatment for six months (69%) was similar to the treatment completion
for the experimental condition that was offered co-prescribed heroin
treatment for 12 months (68%).
- Adherence at the month 12 endpoint-assessment amounted to 92% for
patients in the methadone condition, to 96% for patients in the 12 months
co-prescribed heroin condition, and to 94% for patients in the six months
heroin condition
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