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Comply With Us: Improving Medication Adherence

Blackstock Family Practice Academic Associates, University of Texas at Austin, Pharmacy Practice Division, One University Station A1910, Austin, TX 78712-0127, ttabor{at}swmail.sw.org

Debra A. Lopez, PharmD, CDE

Scott & White Hospital, Health Plan, and Clinic, University of Texas College of Pharmacy, Scott & White Clinic, 4945 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628

Medication noncompliance is a pervasive problem resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. There are many terms used to describe medication-taking behavior including compliance, adherence, intelligent compliance, and drug forgiveness. More recently, clinicians have focused on the need for a collaborative partnership with patients to attain medication adherence. Problems identified include the patient’s failing to initiate therapy, under using or overusing a drug, stopping a drug too soon, and mistiming or skipping doses. Adherence to medications is a complex health behavior. There are many risk factors associated with decreased compliance, and many strategies have been shown to improve drug-taking behavior and patient outcomes. By careful assessment, the pharmacist can identify the high-risk patient, recommend an individualized care plan, and provide the follow-up necessary to successfully change patient behavior. Pharmacists should focus on improving their own application of behavior modification principles and patient communication skills. Improved medication compliance results in improved humanistic, clinical, and economic outcomes.

Key Words: Patient compliance • adherence • drug therapy • noncompliance • nonadherence

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 17, No. 3, 167-181 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0897190004264816


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