title: Improving the understanding of medication non-adherence among mental health professionals: findings from a series of UK training workshops.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Medication non-adherence has far-reaching consequences. Before utilising specialized interventions to target this problem, there is a need to improve the detection, understanding and management of non-adherence in routine clinical practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study explored whether a 1-day workshop targeting attitudes, skills and knowledge about medication adherence could modify any aspect of clinical practice of mental health professionals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five workshops were held with 134 participants. Baseline general knowledge in all professional groups was poor and interventions used not ideal. Post-workshop knowledge improved significantly. At 3-month follow-up, participants reported identifying more new cases of non-adherence and use of more effective strategies. Lack of time and support were identified as persisting barriers to change.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is possible to raise awareness, teach a model and simple techniques to effect change in clinical practice. This brief training was well received, although ongoing support is required to increase interventions for as well as identification of individuals at risk of medication non-adherence.
authors.affiliation: NTW NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Mary Jane
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tacchi
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Downie
authors.forename: San
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sreeneth
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom