Medication adherence is the practice of taking medications precisely as a healthcare provider has prescribed, including the correct dosage, timing, and frequency. Following the prescribed regimen is important for managing chronic health conditions and achieving favorable health results, as improper use can lead to treatment failure.
Studies show that roughly half of all patients with chronic illnesses do not take their medications as directed. This non-adherence has serious consequences, contributing to approximately 100,000 preventable deaths and an additional $100 to $300 billion in U.S. healthcare costs each year. Consistent use is necessary for many treatments to be effective, and failing to adhere can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations.
Identifying Barriers to Adherence
A primary reason for non-adherence is forgetfulness, which can be compounded by complex daily schedules or managing multiple prescriptions. Physical challenges also present a hurdle, as conditions like arthritis can make opening pill bottles difficult, and some individuals may have trouble swallowing pills.
The cost of prescriptions is a substantial financial barrier, leading some to not fill a prescription or to ration medication to make it last longer. Even with insurance, co-pays and deductibles can accumulate, making consistent access to medications a financial strain.
Unpleasant side effects from a medication can deter individuals from taking it regularly. Another factor is the absence of symptoms in chronic conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. When a person feels well, they might not perceive the immediate need for the medication and underestimate its importance for long-term health.
Psychological factors also play a part. A misunderstanding of why a medication is necessary can lead to a lack of commitment to the treatment plan. Some people may feel overwhelmed by the number of medications they need to take or harbor a general mistrust of medications or the healthcare system.
Personal Organization and Routine-Building
Using a pill organizer is a straightforward method for managing medications. These containers come in various formats, from daily boxes to weekly organizers with compartments for different times of day. Sorting pills ahead of time makes it easy to see if a dose has been taken, which helps prevent missed or double doses.
Habit stacking can be effective for integrating medication schedules into daily life. This involves linking the act of taking medication to an established daily habit, such as brushing your teeth in the morning or having breakfast. Pairing the new task with an existing routine helps the new habit become more automatic.
Visual reminders can serve as effective, low-tech cues. Placing a sticky note on a bathroom mirror or refrigerator can provide a prompt at the right moment. A medication calendar or chart kept in a visible location can also be used to mark off each dose as it is taken.
Maintaining a detailed medication log or diary is another useful strategy. This involves writing down the time each medication is taken, which helps in tracking adherence and can reveal patterns of forgetfulness. Sharing this log with a healthcare provider can also facilitate more productive conversations about the treatment plan.
Leveraging Technology for Support
Smartphones can be powerful tools for medication management. Many apps are designed to help users track their medications with features for scheduling reminders, logging doses, and providing refill notifications. Some applications also provide educational information, including images of the pills to prevent confusion.
Simple, recurring alarms on a smartphone, smartwatch, or smart home device can also serve as effective reminders. For each medication, a distinct alarm can be set for the specific time it needs to be taken. This method is straightforward and utilizes technology many people already use daily.
Advanced devices like smart pill dispensers and bottles are also available. These devices can be programmed to light up or make a sound at dosing times. Some smart pill bottles have caps that record when the bottle is opened and sync with an app, while automated dispensers can release the correct pills at scheduled times.
Many pharmacies offer services that use technology to improve adherence. Automatic refill programs ensure a new supply of medication is ready before the current one runs out, preventing gaps in treatment. Pharmacies may also send text or phone reminders when a prescription is ready for pickup or due for a refill.
Collaborating with Your Healthcare Team
Side effects are a common reason for stopping medication, so discuss any issues with your healthcare provider. They might suggest ways to manage the side effects, adjust the dosage, or prescribe an alternative medication that is better tolerated.
If a medication regimen feels too complicated, ask your doctor if it can be simplified. A medication taken multiple times a day might be available in a once-daily formulation, or two or more medications could be combined into a single pill.
Concerns about the cost of medications should be shared with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend a less expensive generic alternative or provide information about manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs.
Coordinating prescription refills can reduce trips to the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist if they can align all of your prescription refill dates through medication synchronization. This allows you to pick up all of your monthly medications on the same day.