
Leading solutions providers for improved patient drug adherence and patient medication compliance...
What are adherence and compliance?
Adherence and compliance describe the degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice. These are the next largest issues in pharmacy after patient safety. Adherence refers to the patient filling and refilling medications on time, while compliance refers to the patient taking their medications on-time and as prescribed. Adherence and compliance are applied to other situations in healthcare such as medical device use, self-care, self-directed exercises, or therapy sessions. Both the patient and the health-care provider affect adherence, and a positive physician-patient relationship is the most important factor in improving adherence and compliance.
Why are patients nonadherent and noncompliant?
Patients are non-adherent and non-compliant for a number of different factors including:
*Socioeconomic factors
*Forgetfulness
*Treatment anxiety
*Misunderstanding the physician/pharmacist
*Length or complexity of treatment
*Unwanted side effects
*Disability
*They begin to "feel better"
There are many companies providing various solutions to solve non-adherence and non-compliance.
What does poor medication adherence and compliance lead to?
Poor medication adherence and compliance increases the amount of unnecessary complications due to:
*Disease progression
*Reduced quality of life
*Reduced functional ability
*Increased healthcare costs
*Unnecessary medication therapy additions or changes
*Increased hospital visits
How are medication adherence and compliance different?
Medication adherence refers to a patient filling and refilling their medications in a timely fashion. Medication compliance refers to a patient taking their medications on time and as prescribed, for the full length of time. Oftentimes, the two terms are used interchangeably.
Why are adherence and compliance important to patients?
Medications do not work if patients do not take them. Adherence and compliance to medication regimens are essential for patients to improve their health. Their medication therapies will not work if they are not followed as prescribed and for the full length of time. Medication adherence/compliance is highest when the drug treatment is short-term, has predictable symptoms that improve with the medication, has minimal side effects, and is taken once per day. Unfortunately, non-adherence and poor compliance are serious drug problems in the United States and lead to complications, hospitalizations, and death.
How can a patient improve his/her adherence and compliance?
The patient should form strong relationships with their physician and their pharmacist, find a motivator to increase adherence/compliance, use one pharmacy for their medications, become knowledgeable about their condition, and have access to affordable drug regimens. This will provide patients with the best optimal health outcomes and increase their adherence and compliance.
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