[How can the community pharmacist improve the adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatments]

Adherence of patients with chronic conditions to their treatment is generally low. However, poor medication adherence or persistence reduces therapeutic effectiveness and increases morbidity and health care costs. This is also the case for anti-osteoporotic treatments that, in order to be effective, must be taken correctly, regularly and long-term. The community pharmacist can play an important role in encouraging long-term adherence to antiosteoporotic treatments. To promote adherence, it is essential, from the beginning, to give to the patient the information needed for a good understanding and a proper course of treatment. The repeated contact between pharmacist and patient creates an opportunity to regularly assess adherence. In order to improve adherence, one needs to identify the causes of non-adherence and adapt the interventions accordingly. Persistence also requires follow-up of the patient. Regular reassessment of patient's adherence, taking into account changes that may affect his expectations, preferences and priorities, is essential to adjust interventions to his new needs. This article suggests ways and tools to improve therapeutic adherence, particularly in osteoporotic patients.