[How to assess and to improve adherence in clinical practice?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension management is significantly challenged by poor pharmacological therapy adherence.
• Non-adherence rates in hypertension range widely from 35% to 50% globally.
• Uncontrolled hypertension necessitates a thorough evaluation of medication adherence as a primary factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence of non-adherence in hypertension management.
• To discuss validated methods for assessing drug adherence.
• To outline effective strategies for optimizing patient compliance with pharmacological therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of validated adherence assessment tools including the Haynes test, pill counts, and electronic prescription monitoring.
• Synthesis of evidence-based strategies for enhancing medication adherence.
• Identification of supportive programs and interventions for improving compliance.

Main Results:

• Non-adherence is a significant issue in 35-50% of hypertensive patients.
• Multiple validated methods exist for detecting non-compliance.
• A multi-faceted approach combining education, simplified regimens, and regular assessment improves adherence.

Conclusions:

• Drug adherence assessment is essential for all patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
• Effective compliance optimization requires a combination of patient-centered strategies and supportive interventions.
• Improving the doctor-patient relationship is a key component in enhancing treatment adherence.