Exploring behavioural barriers to uptake/delivery of the NMS v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising the implementation of a motivational intervention delivered via the New Medicine Service phase one: Patient and Public Involvement
IRAS ID
359792
Contact name
Dan Berry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS England
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 3 days
Research summary
Non-adherence to medication is a major health challenge. The NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) is a national scheme which has been shown to increase likelihood of medication adherence. However, the scheme’s reported delivery activity by pharmacists is below expected levels. Increasing delivery of the scheme has potential to increase medication adherence nationally, promoting better health and reducing overall cost to the NHS. The focus for this research is on cardiovascular disease (CVD) medication, as NHS England data shows that almost 50% of prescribed CVD medication is not adhered to as prescribed.
This research aims to understand behavioural barriers to pharmacists delivering the NMS to contractual capacity, as well as barriers to patients prescribed CVD medication accessing and engaging with the NMS. This will be achieved via semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted remotely over telephone or video call with pharmacists and with CVD patients.
This research also aims to optimise a personalised health cost (PHC) intervention, which was evaluated in a previous study (ISRCTN: ISRCTN16021642). This was a sticker which patients collecting their medication would sign, asking them to pledge to taking their medication as prescribed. This intervention, which was tested as one of three, led to an increase in patient medication adherence. This new research includes seeking pharmacist and patient feedback on similar message content intended to promote medication adherence, but focused towards CVD patients.
The interview period is estimated to last up to two months, subject to participant recruitment.
This project is funded and led by NHS England. Pharmacists interviews will be conducted by the NHS Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MCLSU). Patient interviews will be conducted by Ipsos.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
25/WA/0323
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion