Adherence to treatment in healthcare

Question 1

What is non-adherence

Answer 1

patients medicine taking behaviour does not match the agreed recommendations made by their prescriber

I.e overdose, not taking prescription, forgetting etc.

Question 2

In which types of medicine are there the highest non-adherence rates

Answer 2

preventative medication and w/ lifestyle changes

Question 3

In which types of medicine are there the lowest non-adherence rates

Answer 3

medications for serious illnesses and patients have a greater awareness of non-adherence

Question 4

What are some ways of measuring adherence

Answer 4

Self monitoring, self report

pill counting bottle, checking when prescriptions are picked up, biochem measures + symptoms

Question 5

What are the two types of non-adherence to medication and give reasons for them

Answer 5

Intentional and unintentional

Intentional: concerns about medication, common sense, side effects, asymptomatic

unintentional: forgetting, misunderstanding, couldn’t collect the prescription

Question 6

What factors can affect motivation to adhere to medication

Answer 6

neg. emotions, relationship with HCP, social support

Question 7

How do you improve adherence

Answer 7

Anticipate non adherence

understand beliefs (check for intentional non-adherence)

check for unintentional barriers to adherence (take with food)

Question 8

What percentage of patients do not take their medication as prescribed

Answer 8

30-50%