Your patient is struggling with medication adherence. How can you offer the support they need?

There are a range of reasons why a person may not be adhering to their medication regime; it is important we complete individualised information gathering to determine the specific barriers before suggesting solutions. Once you identify the barrier, keep in mind that sometimes you may need to refer to other health professionals to solve the problem. Occupational therapists are skilled in assessing a range of difficulties, such as cognitive, fine motor or vision impairments, which may be contributing to difficulty with managing medications. Some barriers are easier to overcome than others so remember that trialling a range of assistive devices or strategies may be necessary.

Adherence to a medication regimen is best approached as a collaborative plan. Understanding that yes, medications are prescribed and dosed according to best practice and scientific support but also understanding that sometimes, a little bend in the road to get to 90% adherence is often better than a brick wall barrier to zero adherence. Adherence or compliance can lend itself to a paternalistic and “thou shalt” mentality which can make patients feel small and less than. This is their health and their bodies. Give some control back through collaboration, education, mutual planning and problem solving and I can guarantee adherence rates dramatically increase.

Avant de soumettre le patient à un traitement, il faut au préalable le soumettre à un counseling pour lui expliquer la nature du traitement, les avantages, les risques et les alternatives. Laisser le patient sélectionner le mode qui lui convient. Lorsque malgré tout il ne respecte pas le traitement, une analyse de la situation est nécessaire pour identifier les facteurs qui interfèrent avec le respect du traitement. Apportez un soutien psychologique au patient et lui rassurer lorsqu’il se plaint des effets secondaires du traitement. Toujours penser aux alternatives que le patient peut supporter

Understanding and addressing the barriers to medication adherence is crucial in patient care. It involves a thorough assessment of the patient's circumstances, which may reveal issues such as cognitive impairment leading to forgetfulness, or a complex medication regimen that confuses the patient. Financial difficulties can also prevent patients from obtaining their medication. By identifying these barriers, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to each patient's needs, potentially improving adherence and overall health outcomes. Effective strategies include medication synchronization, the use of pill organizers, or the application for patient assistance programs to alleviate financial strain.

I totally agree! First, you have to use all the skill we were trained to, plus we have to read between the lines with the gifts we've been given??. Just my opinion ??

Educating patients about their health conditions and the medications prescribed is crucial for enhancing medication adherence. By simplifying medical terms and explaining the importance of following their treatment plan, patients can grasp the significance of their role in managing their health. Highlighting the potential risks of non-compliance not only fosters understanding but also encourages patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey, leading to better health outcomes.

Providing clear information about the importance of their medication, how it works, potential side effects, and what to do if they miss a dose can empower patients to follow their regimen more diligently. Education, combined with identifying and addressing barriers, offers a comprehensive approach to supporting patients in managing their health effectively.

Education is key, when patients are informed of the benefits of the medication it would go a long way in ensuring compliance with their medication regimen. Adequate information about the drug should be provided by health care professional as regards it's benefits, potential side effects, drug drug interactions and appropriate time to take in Medication for the medication to be effective. This information will guide the thought process of the patient and cause a rethink in perception about medication generally, while also allaying patients fear about medication. This will in turn promoter proper adherence to medication regimen and overall boost in the healing process of the patient would be evident.

Education. Is more powerful than you imagine. When I was first ordered to take a statin, I asked the doctor if he would take it? He stammered. I read that statins give you maybe one more year of life… I told the doctor that I was okay skipping my last year. Education is power. Adherence is a choice, that fact should never be overlooked!

Pharmacists are often underutilized. We have opportunities to lean into their expertise, educate and encourage patients on how to use their services, and create a monetary system that captures all of the work beyond filling medications.

Effective medication management is crucial for patient adherence and overall health outcomes. Utilizing pill organizers can simplify the process, ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time. Incorporating technology, such as reminder apps, can further enhance adherence by providing timely alerts. For complex medication regimens, a pharmacist's expertise can optimize the medication plan, potentially reducing the number of medications needed and minimizing the risk of adverse drug interactions. These strategies collectively support a more manageable and effective approach to medication adherence.

As a patient advocate a full assessment of the medication management process will need to be researched for any gaps or breakdowns. Once the issue is identified planning will be required to put into place an action plan for fixing the gap. Alone elderly, disabled, homeless are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks of healthcare at several points. Know the supporting relationships the individual you are advocating for has. Develop rapport and do regular check-ins (with permissions) with the individual and any support networks to ensure compliance. Sadly, however, if premium payments are not paid for timely your pharmacy may charge more for your medication, and may be one reason for non compliance. Investigate all matters.

Sometimes it is as simple as there are too many medications that the patient feels they have to take. Streamlining the process and getting pharmacy consultations will help tremendously.

Introducing medication management strategies can significantly help patients. This might involve using pill organizers or setting up a medication schedule that aligns with their daily routine. For patients with multiple prescriptions, considering a consultation with a pharmacist would help streamline their medications and potentially reduce the pill burden. Additionally, educating patients on the importance of their medications and ensuring they understand their medical conditions.

Le réseau de soutien est très efficace, surtout pour les malades chroniques obligés de prendre des traitements au long cours. Les patients affectés par une même pathologie et qui sont soumis au même traitement peuvent se soutenir mutuellement avec l’aide de leur soignant. Ils partagent leur expérience, les obstacles au respect du traitement et les moyens pour les contourner.

For many people, it can be difficult to talk to family members or friends about the medications you or someone you love is taking. (Try to stay updated with drug information and dosaging) 1. Ask the loved one how this medication makes them feel/how it impacts their daily life. 2. Are there 10 different ?? curing one disease? Is it better to get surgery, or try alt therapy? 3. Medications taken together with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, PT/OT, ?? , ?? , positioning, SOM, can boost healing. ???? 4. Try alternative methods before being 100% agreeable in taking medications if you’re not sure why you are taking them.(They can and will be happy to explain.) 5. If you’re concerned about a ?? , or any medicine OTC, just ask!

Regular follow-ups offer crucial support for patients struggling with medication adherence by addressing concerns, reinforcing treatment plans, identifying barriers, and providing timely adjustments to improve outcomes.

This is a collective effort. Any healthcare team member can help support this effort, however, it can be costly and our healthcare system may not have human resource capacity to make this sustainable and scalable. Leaning into applications, LLM, AI, and interoperable point solutions can help creatively support the infrastructure for alternative follow ups when resources are untenable.

We must also not forget about polypharmacy. Many patients end up with copious prescriptions, increasing medication interaction risks, thus driving higher probability of non adherence and risk for harm. We should evaluate often, collaborate with other prescribing providers, lean into pharmacy expertise for interaction reduction, and attempt to de-prescribe when possible. Complicating the amount, frequency, cost, and lack of understanding only compounds the medication adherence paradigm.

As someone who has faced the challenges of managing a complex medication regimen, I can personally attest to the significant difference that simplification can make. I struggled quite a bit before finding a system that worked for me. One of the most helpful tools I’ve discovered is a fantastic medication dispenser I obtained on Amazon. This dispenser is a game-changer for me and featuring a built-in alarm with the ability to automatically advance to the next dose. I have mine set to dispense four times a day, and it holds enough medication for a week. I often forgot or missed doses & sometimes I couldn’t remember if I had taken them. This is no longer an issue, as I can easily see if I missed a dose by simply looking inside the dispenser.

Le suivi régulier du patient est l’un des méthodes efficaces pour faire respecter le traitement. Il permet de détecter en amont, les obstacles au respect du traitement. Il n’est pas toujours nécessaire d’être en contact physique avec le patient, mais le suivi à distance ou par un membre de famille peut vous permettre d’assurer le respect du traitement tout en vous occupant d’autres patients.

Regimen simplifies medication management, providing reminders, tracking adherence, and offering personalized support to help patients consistently take their prescribed medications

And we must also respect the patient who chooses to either not care about compliance or wishes to stop taking certain meds even after we've tried all the avenues to assist and teach them what consequences may occur.

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent a pulmonic valve replacement, which helps blood flow from the heart to the lungs. In 1998 his mother Aurelia Jadrny Schwarzenegger died from complications to her congenital heart defect related to her pulmonic valve. When asked, Arnold’s mother said, “When God wants to take me, let him.”