of contact and how this may relate to differing continuation
rates. There may have been some bias in
patient selection. Healthcare professionals may
either preferentially select patients for the service
who were more likely to comply with medication
and a patient support service or alternatively offer
the service to those in whom the perceived risk of
poor adherence may be highest. Either way, such
patient selection could have influenced the outcomes.
Further study is thus needed to understand
the independent variables which may impact on
the outcomes of this patient support programme.
What is certain, however, is that patient support
programmes are likely to grow in importance,
may be initiated outside of the pharmaceutical
industry and new types of programmes may be
trialled. The development of all types of patient
support programmes along with initiatives such
as Telehealth and Telecare technology, which provide
healthcare to patients with long-term health
conditions, should enhance the care and support
offered to patients with health needs, and hopefully
improve individual outcomes.
Conclusion
The SSS is a nurse-led patient support programme
which appears to reduce discontinuation
rates from atomoxetine by offering support and
advice to carers of patients with ADHD during
the initial 12 weeks of treatment.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Sabine
Dahlen and Yvonne Parkinson (Quintiles UK) for
their ongoing contribution to the running of the
Strattera Support Service.
Funding and Conflict of interest statement
NS, ALS and CB are employees and shareholders
of Eli Lilly who is the marketing authorization
holder and manufacturer of atomoxetine in the
UK and has financed this manuscript. JP is the
nurse manager employed by Quintiles UK who
manages the Strattera Support Service on behalf
of Lilly