Medication compliance problems in general practice: detection and intervention by pharmacists and doctors

Medication compliance; the role of a portable Medical Summary Card as a compliance aid; and the role of a medical practice-based clinical pharmacist in identifying medication-related problems in a rural general practice setting is evaluated. A clinical pharmacist checked the medications of 50 predominantly aged patients against their medical summary and noted inconsistencies and potential medication problems. From this information the general practitioner (GP) assessed patient compliance with prescribed medications and transcribed the correct medication regimen and medical problems onto a Medical Summary Card for the patient to carry. Forty per cent of the patients were non-compliant. A Medical Summary Card alone was unable to improve compliance. Issues noted by the clinical pharmacist warranted a change in therapy for 8% of patients. Eighteen per cent of patients provided medical information to the clinical pharmacist of which the GP was unaware. Non-compliance with prescribed medications is common. A portable Medical Summary Card may not rectify this problem. Patients' withholding medical information from their medical practitioner is of particular concern.