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VIDEO: Lynne T. Braun, PhD, discusses strategies for improving medication adherence
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CHICAGO — Lynne T. Braun, PhD, CNP, CLS, FNLA, professor of nursing at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, outlines a presentation she gave at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions on patient- and provider-related barriers to medication adherence, as well as methods to improve adherence.
While cost or a complex medication regimen are common reasons for nonadherence, Braun noted that patients on lipid-lowering therapies often are nonadherent out of concern about potential adverse effects, particularly with statins. Other factors influencing adherence include a lack of health literacy and the “vulnerable” period in which a patient is discharged from the hospital either to their home or an extended care facility.
“Patients may not take the medications in that next setting that they were discharged on, or they may double up on medications that they might have had at home before,” Braun said.
She stressed the importance of increased communication between the care provider and the patient, in order to address concerns about medication effects and to identify cues from patients that they do not understand aspects of their treatment. Braun also said that patients should be contacted shortly after discharge from the hospital in order to review their medications, with a clinic follow-up within a week to confirm adherence and discuss treatment.