Lec 6- Medicine adherence

Question 1

Definition of compliance

Answer 1

Extent to which the patient’s behaviour matches the healthcare professionals intructions

Question 2

Definition of adherence

Answer 2

Extent to which the patient’s behaviour matches AGREED recommendations from the healthcare professional

Question 3

What are the 3 behavioural components of medication adherence?

Answer 3

1. Collecting the prescription
2. Taking the medication correctly
3. Taking the medication for the full course

Question 4

What does it mean to take the medication correctly?

Answer 4

1. Right medication, at the right dose, right time and right conditions

Question 5

What does non-adherence incur?

Answer 5

Costs w medication wastage, disposal, unscheduled GP visits and hospital admisions

Question 6

What are some practical barriers to medicine adherence?

Answer 6

1. Capability (cognitive and physical limitations)
2. Medication cost
3. Access to pharmacy

Question 7

Perceptual barriers to adherence

Answer 7

1. Motivation to take the medication
2. Beliefs about their condition and their medication
3. may balance perceived need against perceived cost

Question 8

What are other barriers to adherence?

Answer 8

Treatment complexity and duration

- chronic conditions -> adherence support during treatment

Question 9

Why are pharmacists ideal for the improvement of medication adherence?

Answer 9

1. Perceived to have expertise in managing medication
2. most accessible and most frequently consulted healthcare professional
3. can contribute to the process rather than assume full responsibility
4. to offer effective adherence interventions
5. tailor interventions
6. assess patient barriers both practical and perceived

Question 10

How to make an adherence assessment?

Answer 10

1. Question patient -: their explanation
2. accurate dose and admin, then practical barriers
3. Consider any factors that may impact patient’s cognitive ability- age, disabilities, stroke, depression etc
4. Consider any factors that may impact on patient’s physical ability- manual dexterity, mobility and vision and swallowing problems

Question 11

What interventions are made at pharmacy level to increase adherence?

Answer 11

1. Simplification of medication regime
2. Use of reminder aids- medico packs and SMS messaging and starting home delivery services
   - address practical and perceptual barriers