Medicine Adherence Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the 2 types of non-adherence?
Intentional: When a person chooses to not take their medications
Unintentional: When the patient wants to take their medication but something is preventing them from doing so.
Give some examples of why a patient may intentionally not adhere to their medication.
- Beliefs
- Preferences
- Fear
- Reading the information leaflet
What if a patient is not willing to take their medications as they are vegan?
They may be taking a capsule form which may contain gelatin. The medications could be switched to the tablet form which may be suitable for the patient. Check with the patient if they are willing to do so and they will be adherent.
What are some examples of unintentional non-adherence?
- Lack of understanding
- Lack of interest in health
- Side effects
- Forgetting to take medication
- Unable to pay for treatment
What might a pharmacist do that may make patients to not adhere to medication?
- Lack of information provided
- Lack of patient-centred approach
-> consultation can lead to the patient forgetting information
How can we know that a patient is not adhering to their medication?
- Reduced plasma conc. of drug
- May be a disease progression or improvement
- When dispensing medicines
- During a patient consultation
What should you speak to a patient about when having a consultation on adherence?
- How they are getting on with medication(s)
- Ask about missed doses
- If they are able to take them as they should
-> WAS THIS MEDICATION A SHARED DECISION? As if it wasn’t, most likely to not adhere!!
What should you let a patient know about why you are asking about their medications?
A break may cause side effects or a deterioration in their condition.
What is the main strategy to improve medicine adherence?
Shared decision making to ensure that the patient is wanting to take this.
-> provide information and support
Why is it important to explore the reasons for non-adherence in patient?
To get a better understanding of the patient’s view - understanding of their condition and willingness to adhere to treatment
What are some interventions that could help a patient with adherence?
- Patient records their medicine (MAR charts)
- Adverse effects (switch to alternatives medications/dosage forms)
- Address funding issues
True or False: A patient can be referred to a specialist healthcare professional to help with adherence.
True.
What should be done if a patient is transferred between services?
- Patients and healthcare professionals should be provided with a written report.
-> Identify any medication changes and why
-> Any difficulties with adherence and details of action taken
True or False: It is not necessary to keep records on non-adherence.
False. Doing so will help understand what has helped/ not helped the patient.
-> sometimes transfers in healthcare professionals so can access the records to understand.
What needs to be considered when reviewing adherence?
- Patient’s experience of using medicines and support can change
- Check patients understanding of medicines and concerns - if they still need it.
- Record all relevant details
