Effects of telephone counselling on mortality and adherence

A randomised controlled trial published in a peer‐reviewed journal is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of information about the effectiveness of a treatment; however, critical appraisal of trials is required in order to judge the value and implications of the results. Here, the authors present their appraisal of a study that investigated the effects of telephone calls from a pharmacist on mortality in patients taking five or more drugs.

Wu JY, Leung WY, Chang S, et al. Effectiveness of telephone counselling by a pharmacist in reducing mortality in patients receiving polypharmacy: randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2006;333(7567):522. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Interface Ltd