Promoting Medication Adherence for Better Health

Medication adherence refers to the act of following healthcare provider instructions regarding medication use, dosage, frequency, and duration. It is crucial for treatment effectiveness and health outcomes.

Medication Adherence FAQ

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What is the difference between medication adherence and non-adherence?

Medication adherence can be defined as the extent to which a person’s behaviour corresponds with taking a medicine optimally. It is key to achieving therapeutic goals and improving patient outcomes. Whereas non-adherence leads to reduced clinical benefit and generates significant waste. Non-adherence is further classified as:

What is medicines adherence guideline?

This guideline covers medicines adherence in people aged 18 and over. It recommends how to encourage adherence to medicines by supporting and involving people in decisions about their prescribed medicines. It aims to ensure that a person’s decision to use a medicine is an informed choice. Who is it for?

What is medication adherence?

Medication adherence usually refers to whether patients take their medications as prescribed (eg, twice daily), as well as whether they continue to take a prescribed medication.

Does medication adherence affect adherence rates?

To impact significantly on medication adherence rates, patients need to be informed, motivated, and skilled (or supported) to take their medicines optimally. Patients may have different views from healthcare professionals about the balance of risks, benefits and side effects of medicines.

How to measure medication adherence?

Measure adherence by various methods which may be dependent on patient as well as drug characteristics. Check the effectiveness of medication adherence aids used, if any. This should be done by physicians as well as pharmacists. Patient involvement in decision making is essential in improving medication adherence.