Med adherence

Question 1

Adherence

Answer 1

The extent to which the patient’s behaviour matches the agreed recommendations from the prescriber

Question 2

Non adherences effects

Answer 2

Health cost to patient – major risk factor for poor outcomes
17% (UK estimate) - 30% (US estimate) of hospital admissions due to medication non-adherence
Financial cost to NHS

Question 3

Non intentional non adherence

Answer 3

Formulation
Packaging
Cost
Dosing complexity
Forget
Misunderstand instructions

Question 4

Intentional Non adherence

Answer 4

Want to avoid the side-effects
Don’t believe I am ill despite being told otherwise
Don’t believe the specific medication will work
Don’t believe in medicine generally
Does not make sense to take this medication

Question 5

Adherence optimization

Answer 5

Ensure all patients are offered information before a decision is made to prescribe
Benefits/need
Risks/side-effect
Share the decision-making
Review medications regularly w/ close f/u