Table 6 ABC consensus-based policy solutions for medication adherence for Europe
From: Developing consensus-based policy solutions for medicines adherence for Europe: a delphi study
Patients benefit when provided with support, education, and information | |
· | when a medication is newly prescribed |
· | focused on the patients’ treatment |
· | about the benefits of adherence to their particular medication(s) |
· | about potential side effects or adverse effects and how to manage them |
· | to assist the patient to weigh up the benefit and harm of medication |
· | tailored to the individual preferences or needs of the patient |
Healthcare professionals should receive education and training about | |
· | patient-centred care |
· | identifying and assessing medication non-adherence |
· | ways of addressing medication non-adherence when it is identified |
so that they can: | |
· | adopt a non-judgmental approach |
· | identify medication non-adherence |
· | provide patients with ongoing feedback and support with medication-taking |
· | support patients with concerns about, or experience of, side effects of medication |
· | make sufficient time for the patient, for instance through more frequent, timely contact |
Together, healthcare professionals and patients should | |
· | discuss the patients' preferences for treatment |
· | ensure a partnership approach in decision making and treatment |
· | discuss the patients' health- and medication-related beliefs |
· | build the patients’ trust in the healthcare professional |
Regarding medicines | |
· | simplify the patients’ medication regimen as appropriate (e.g., less frequent, modified formulation and/or dosage, tailored to individual need) |
· | stop medication(s) that the patient no longer needs or wants |
Healthcare providers should | |
· | promote a team approach, sharing information to deliver consistent adherence support |
· | prioritise medication adherence support in service, organisation, and systems design |
Governments/healthcare payers should | |
· | increase public awareness of medication adherence for all citizens |
· | develop and implement evidence-based interventions for medication adherence |
· | provide training and guidance for all healthcare providers so they can deliver effective adherence interventions |
· | invest in research to identify effective interventions demonstrating value for money |