Optimizing adherence to pharmaceutical care plans.
Adherence to pharmacotherapy is essential to optimal therapeutic outcomes. The pivotal role of the pharmacist in optimizing adherence encompasses many actions: assessing the adherence problem, identifying predisposing factors, providing comprehensive counseling, and recommending specific adherence strategies targeted to the patient's needs. Patients who have chronic conditions, physical or cognitive impairments, or cultural backgrounds outside the mainstream may have special needs that should be addressed in the adherence plan. Pharmaceutical care plans also should take into account the patient's age, stage of life, and literacy level. Although a wide range of adherence aids and strategies are available, the key to success is to tailor the intervention to the individual patient and, when necessary, to combine interventions to optimize adherence.
Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, USA. gnichols@mail.mcg.edu
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D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D003376:Counseling; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors