Improving medication uptake in aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.
BACKGROUND
Poor medication adherence is associated with adverse health outcomes. Improving access and adherence to pharmacological therapy is important in achieving optimal health outcomes for Indigenous populations. In spite of the impressive evidence base for cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, strategies for promoting adherence and evidence based practice are less well refined and the challenges for Indigenous populations are more pronounced.


OBJECTIVE
To identify factors impacting on medication adherence in Aboriginal Australians and identify solutions to improve the quality use of medicines.


METHODS
The World Health Organization adherence model was used to classify barriers to adherence. Key elements of this model are (1) health care team/health system; (2) socio-economic factors; (3) therapy; (4) patient; and (5) condition related.


RESULTS
Entrenched socio-economic differentials aggravate challenges to medication adherence amongst Aboriginal Australians. Initiatives to promote the quality use of medicines, such as the Quality Use of Medicines Maximised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (QUMAX) Program, are important strategies to promote adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Medication adherence is a complex issue and addressing modifiable factors is imperative to improve health outcomes. Subsidised access to medications whether living in urban, regional, rural or remote areas is an important strategy in Closing the Gap.
Davidson
Patricia M
PM
Curtin University of Technology, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, 39 Regent Street, Chippendale, New South Wales 2008, Australia. P.Davidson@curtin.edu.au
Abbott
Penny
P
Davison
Joyce
J
Digiacomo
Michelle
M
D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D018954:Drugs, Essential / Q000600:supply & distribution; D004522:Educational Status; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D018954:Drugs, Essential; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations