Case 18- medication Flashcards
Pill burden
The effort required to manage the multiple medications a patient may have
Consequence of living with mutliple long term conditions
Can result in emotional or psychological problems or issues with managing treatment
Compulsion
If a medication is recommended by a healthcare practitioner the patient legally has to take it. Normally for infective diseases.
Compliance
According with the treatment plan. Should take medication because it’s the right thing to do, not because of legal duty. Stigmatism if not complying with treatment
Concordance
Agreement between the prescriber and the patient, the patient takes the medication because they think it will help them. Creates the principle of therapeutic citizenship where the person has a responsibility to take medication but also has the right to refuse treatment if they don’t agree with it. Moral economy- patient are encouraged to take medication and seen as bad patients if they refuse.
Adherence
Refers to whether the patient takes the medication. The doctor has no power over the patient and all the power sits with the patient and what they want to do. Tries to remove the moral context, more of an objective measurement
Therapeutic citizenship
Gives the patient responsibility for their own health
Difference between Compliance, Concordance and Adherence
- Compliance- do as I say
- Concordance- do you agree to do as I say?
- Adherence- are you sticking to it?
Is non-adherence the patients problem?
Non-adherence is not the patients problem but is a limitation in the delivery of healthcare, often because the patient does not agree with the prescription or they are not provided with adequate support.
Medication adherence definition
The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. The patient has a choice, patients and providers mutually establish treatment goals and the medical regimen
Medical adherence equation
(Number of doses taken / Number of prescribed doses) x 100
Benefits of good adherence
Increases the effectiveness of treatment and improves patient safety. Also reduces healthcare costs. Better adherence is associated with 20% less hospital visits per year
Five dimensional model of adherence
Adherence is affected by:
1) Social and economic factors
2) Therapy related factors
3) Patient related factors
4) Condition related factors
5) Health system factors.
Therapy factors affecting adherence
- Complexity of the medication regime
- Ability to perform techniques required (inhaled, injections)
- Duration
- Frequent changes to medication regime
- Lack of immediate benefit from treatment
- Stigma of using certain medication
The Social and economic related factors of adherence
- Language proficiency
- Lack of family/social support
- Unstable living conditions
- Demanding schedule
- Access to health care
- Medication cost
- Side effects
- Cultural beliefs
- Discrimination
Patient related factors of adherence
- Physical factors- visual/hearing, cognitive impairment, impaired mobility, swallowing problems
- Psychological/behavioural factors- knowledge about disease, Perceived risk, Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Alcohol and substance use
Condition related factors of adherence
- Chronic condition
- Lack of symptoms
- Severity of symptoms
- Depression- not motivated to take medication
- Psychotic disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Physical / Cognitive disabilities
Health system factors related to adherence
- Patient provider relationship
- Communication skills of the provider
- Disparity of health beliefs between patient and provider
- Lack of capacity for patient education or follow up
- Long wait times
- Lack of continuity in care
- Patient information given at appropriate level
Perceptions and Practicalities model
- Unintentional- capacity and recourses, Practical barrier, Patient wants to take it but cant
- Intentional- motivation and beliefs, Perceptual barriers, Patient doesn’t want to take it but could
- Necessity concerns framework- if concerns outweigh necessity to use medication, then its intentional non-adherence. If necessity outweigh concerns about using medication, then its unintentional non-adherence
Individuals consequences of non-adherence (micro-social)
A reported 80% adherence is required for therapeutic effects. Otherwise can cause negative clinical outcomes like increased hospitalisation, increased morbidity, social impact and economic consequences
Global consequences of non-adherence (Macro-social)
The total cost of treatment increases. Hospital admissions and emergency care are consistently and disproportionately high. Broader socio-economic impact.
How to improve adherence
- Explain the underpinning necessity to use the medication- How will it work? Why does it need to be used regularly? Consequences of non-adherence?
- Ensure adequate access to medication- Is it about cost? Mobility?
- Consider cognitive and physical impairment- Polypharmacy confusion? Swallowing difficulties? Changes to packaging?