Non Adherence Essay

health care professionals as the patient is oblivious to the effect that non-adherence is having on their overall health status.
Medication non-adherence is the outcome from a patient forgetting to take their medicine and this is considered to be wholly unintentional. Intentional adherence in comparison, relates to an intellectual decision on the patient’s behalf, not to take their prescribed medication. Non-adherence may be influenced by a number of factors including modifiable factors; patient beliefs about medicines, knowledge about conditions, perceived personal benefits from their decisions and non-modifiable factors; age and ethnicity.(19) Specific barriers relating to medication non-adherence include drug regimen complexity, patient forgetfulness, patient misconception/lack of understanding, adverse events/side effects and cost of therapy. These factors significantly affect a patient’s belief and concern with regards taking their medication which can result in worrying implications for

One method is to improve both verbal and written instructions and medicinal directions, making the indications and doctor’s aspirations clear and concise for the patient to understand and subsequently adhere to. The consultation room in a community pharmacy is a vital point of contact with patients in order to effectively counsel the patient on the importance of adhering strictly to their medication regimen and formally educate them on aspects relating to their condition and health. If a health care professional deems it necessary, they can consider contacting the patient’s family to create a wider support group for monitoring the patient’s adherence. The simplification of dosing regimens, blister packing medication and prescription refill reminders are other highly effective ways of standardising adherence to medication for patients, particularly for older