Medication Non-Adherence: Progress and Future Goals
Author Information
Author(s): Kardas Przemyslaw, Bennett Bryan, Borah Bijan, Burnier Michel, Daly Christopher, Hiligsmann Mickael, Menditto Enrica, Peterson Andrew M., Slejko Julia F., Tóth Krisztina, Unni Elizabeth, Ágh Tamás
Primary Institution: Medication Adherence Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Hypothesis
What progress has been made in medication adherence management over the last 20 years, and what should be the future objectives?
Conclusion
Despite notable progress in medication adherence research and practice, non-adherence remains a significant issue that requires ongoing innovative solutions.
Supporting Evidence
- Non-adherence to medication generates significant healthcare costs, estimated at €80–125 billion in the EU and $529 billion in the U.S.
- Two decades ago, the WHO report highlighted that 50% of patients are non-adherent to long-term therapies.
- Recent studies show non-adherence rates among multi-morbid patients range from 44.1% to 76.5%.
- Despite advancements, many effective interventions for improving adherence are not widely implemented or reimbursed.
Takeaway
People often forget to take their medicine, which can make them sick. This study looks at how we can help everyone remember to take their medicine better in the future.
Methodology
The study used the WHO adherence model and involved ten international experts who discussed and ranked achievements and future targets for medication adherence.
Potential Biases
The anonymity of the expert discussions was intended to minimize bias, but the selection of experts may still introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's expert panel was limited to high-income countries, which may not represent the global perspective on medication adherence.
Participant Demographics
Experts included ten international professionals from Europe and the United States, representing various fields related to medication adherence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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