Non adherence is a major medical problem which not only affects the patient but also the healthcare system. It leads to a failure of the therapy, worsening of the disease and increased healthcare cost. There are many factors that can affect adherence. Barriers to the correct use of medicines include poor healthcare provider-patient communication, inadequate information about a drug and its adverse effects, not being convinced of the need for treatment, complex and long term regimens, cost of the medication etc. Patients, healthcare providers and healthcare systems all have a role to improve medication adherence.

 

This seminar will focus on defining of types of non adherence as well as on methods to improve medication use. Systematic approach must be instituted to achieve effective therapy which includes collaboration with patient at the level of prescribing, simplified administration, communicating with the patient, using of medication adherence aids etc. Multidisciplinary approach in the medication use must be carried out to achieve better therapy adherence.

 

Different methods for measuring adherence will be also discussed during this seminar.

 

• To define the main factors which influence medication adherence;

• To present different methods to measure adherence;

• To present strategies to improve medication adherence.

 

 

After the presentation the participant should be able:

 

• to identify difficulties and barriers related to adherence;

• to describe the pharmacist´s role in improving medication use.