Developing a generic, individualised adherence programme for chronic medication users

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy practice
• Patient adherence
• Health behavior

Background:

• Medication adherence is crucial for treatment effectiveness.
• Existing adherence models often lack individualization.
• A need exists for tailored patient support in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an adherence counseling program.
• To introduce an individualized, multi-dimensional adherence model.
• To support patients in medication self-management.

Main Methods:

• Intervention program based on WHO's systems model for adherence.
• Tested in Danish primary healthcare settings (pharmacies, GP practices).
• Utilized registration forms, questionnaires, and focus groups for data collection.

Main Results:

• Developed a counseling program in basic and extended versions.
• Created a toolbox ('Safe and effective use of medicines') for tailoring interventions.
• Transformed the WHO model into an individualized counseling approach.

Conclusions:

• The individualized systems model provides a framework for tailored adherence counseling.
• The developed program and toolbox support pharmacy staff and GPs.
• This approach enhances patient self-management of medication treatment.