How to improve adherence to treatments?

The lack of adherence in chronic diseases is a frequent problem that can seriously compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. This lack of therapeutic compliance also aggravates the patient’s quality of life. According to the study, 34.6% of the patients who participated in the study said they did not comply with their treatment.

One of the reasons identified why the patient does not follow his treatment properly is because he does not understand its value. In this context, healthcare professionals play an important role. In fact, doctors (84.5%) and patients (85.5%) agree that a shared doctor-patient decision of treatment is a key factor in improving adherence. Another factor that has a specific weight in the lack of therapeutic compliance is the presence of side effects of the treatments, an aspect that concerns 97.5% of doctors and 86.1% of patients. For 96.5% of doctors, polymedication – common in chronic patients – also influences the lack of adherence, according to study results.

By given these data, we consider it necessary to establish measures that promote greater awareness of those factors that will result in improved adherence, through joint work between patients and healthcare professionals.

How to improve adherence to treatment?

The study also inquired about possible measures to be taken to improve therapeutic compliance, concluding that doctors (99.2%) and pharmacists (94.4%) agree to point to the reduction of the complexity of the therapeutic regimen. Specifically, 47.9% of doctors consider it key to reduce the frequency of drug administration. On the other hand, patients (43%) see a greater advantage in adapting the intake of medications through Pill Dispenser to their daily activities.

Understanding the treatment of the disease better is key to compliance. This is considered by 91.4% of patients, 89% of doctors and 72.7% of pharmacists. Not surprisingly, 94% of patients believe that the role of the educator should fall primarily on the doctor. Teaching work that also corresponds, according to patients, to nursing professionals (82.3%) and community pharmacists (73.9%).

The therapeutic adherence is key to good diabetes control. At present, the adherence rate is around 50%, being the main factors that influence poor compliance having more than 8 years of diabetes evolution, more than one pathology (arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.) or lack of motivation on the part of the patient. It is essential that the patient aware of his condition, which he is aware of the seriousness that can lead to him and that he is more involved, always with the support of his medical team. In this sense, diabetes education must be a fundamental pillar.

Relying on the patient’s environment is another of the possible measures to be taken according to health professionals. In this sense, data shows that both doctors (96.1%) and pharmacists (90.03%) give more importance to the support of family and friends to achieve greater adherence, while this is only the case for 70.6% of patients.

One solution that could be useful in improving therapeutic adherence is the Personalized Dosing System offered by Circupack. It is a professional pharmaceutical service, through which each patient periodically receives his or her medication specifically and individually, depending on each medical treatment. Another option for people who don’t want to talk in person is suboxone treatment online where you are being aided at the comfort of your own home.

The study was carried with more than 240 uncontrolled and polymedicated hypertensive patients and has the participation of community pharmacies.