Prescribing a medicine is only half of the job the real challenge is whether patient actually takes it as advised or not. Medication adherence is the crucial part of the treatment process
skipping of medicine is seen in patients due to lack of understanding.
Many patients don’t know why they are taking medicine.
Another major factor is side effects even mild discomfort like nausea can make patient hesitance to continue medication.
Also, cost is an issue patient try to adjust by skipping doses or delaying refill.
Multiple medication at different times of the day often feels confused and leads to skipping medicine.
Patients counseling plays a major to ensure that they understand their treatment and by this patient develops trust. the importance of the medicine and treatment should be properly explained to patient.
Medication adherence is not just patient responsibility it is a shared responsibility between healthcare professional and patient.
I think many times patients don’t know what medicine they are prescribed and why were the advised to have it. If someone from the mursing staff can later explain in detail, medication adherence will definitely improve.
As healthcare workers, it is our responsibility to explain how important it is the adhere to the treatment plan. Any medication prescribed will have its benefits and side effects. It is important that we educate the patient beforehand about anticipated side effects and how to manage them.
True. Seen this frequently where patient doesn’t follow instructions and skip medicine and come back with more aggressive and painful condition. So proper explanation and guidance play a vital role during prescribing medications.