[Improvement of compliance supported by pharmacists]

Improving patient compliance poses a daily challenge to all healthcare professionals, and especially to the patients, who must accept the need for drug treatment, come to terms with the selected medication and, finally, integrate it into their daily life - at most, this can represent a lifelong necessity. Intentional and unintentional non compliance are both common with research showing up to 50% non compliance. Community pharmacists are often the last point of contact in the healthcare chain for patients collecting their prescription(s). They are, therefore, well placed to screen for motivational problems, to assess any obstacles or lack of understanding and knowledge and to provide technical and motivational support tailored to the patients' needs. Dispensing medicines must be accompanied by exhaustive instructions regarding medication use in order to detect any restricted ability (dexterity, vision, cognition) and to offer specific support. A wealth of compliance aids and new technologies are available to guarantee even long-term compliance with the drug therapy plan.