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Medication adherence: a call for action

Hayden B Bosworth1, Bradi B Granger, Phil Mendys

  • 1Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC, USA. hayden.bosworth@duke.edu

American Heart Journal
|September 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Poor adherence to cardiovascular medications causes significant health problems and costs. This review summarizes expert recommendations to improve medication adherence and reduce negative health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Medication nonadherence is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare expenditures.
  • Effective cardiovascular treatments are underutilized due to poor patient adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current state of medication adherence in cardiovascular medicine.
  • To identify and recommend strategies for improving medication adherence among patients.
  • To address the significant public health challenge posed by medication nonadherence.

Main Methods:

  • Convened a think-tank meeting with diverse stakeholders including consumers, healthcare providers, academics, government officials (FDA, NIH), and industry scientists.
  • Reviewed the prevalence, impact, and economic burden of medication nonadherence.
  • Summarized evidence-based approaches to improve adherence.

Main Results:

  • The problem of medication nonadherence is substantial, with significant clinical and economic consequences.
  • A multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for developing effective adherence strategies.
  • Proven interventions exist but require broader implementation.

Conclusions:

  • Improving medication adherence is a critical public health priority for cardiovascular disease management.
  • Collaborative efforts among all stakeholders are essential to implement effective adherence interventions.
  • Addressing medication nonadherence can reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

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