Engaging Medicare Members in Medication Adherence Discussions
Date: 02/08/23
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states: “Medication Adherence, or taking medications correctly, is generally defined as the extent to which patients take medication as prescribed by their doctors. This involves factors such as getting prescriptions filled, remembering to take medication on time, and understanding the directions.”
According to the American Medical Association, patients only take their medications half of the time. With the current rate of 50% medication adherence in the general public, this area is worth addressing. To combat this lack of adherence, engaging with our members is essential.
Tips on how to assess and dicuss medication adherence with your patients:
1) Create a routine by asking every patient about their adherence to their medications.
2) Ask open-ended questions:
- Can you tell me how you are taking this medicine?
- What do you think about this medication?
- How do you remember to take your medicine?
3) If the patient says they are non-adherent, thank them for sharing before continuing to assess.
4) Ask the patient about barriers that may hinder them from taking their medication appropriately:
- What bothers you about this medication?
- What stands in the way of you taking your medicine?
5) Offer a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere by using motivational interviewing skills:
- Listen to the patient’s concerns
- Ask the patient about their health goals
- Avoid arguments and adjust to resistance
- Support optimism and give encouragement
- Understand and respect patient values and beliefs
6) Develop a plan to help address any barriers the patient is experiencing.