Impact of structured adherence training on healthcare professionals: a pilot study in Mexico and Thailand

Medication non-adherence is a significant global challenge, particularly in chronic disease management, and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play an important role in supporting adherence, yet often lack training and practical tools.

This pilot study evaluated the impact of a structured 6-month adherence training program-including educational sessions and self-learning, the Insight tool, and the my a:care app-on HCPs' knowledge and practices in Mexico and Thailand.

A prospective, dual-center pilot study was conducted among HCPs managing dyslipidemic patients in two hospitals (Mexico: n = 15; Thailand: n = 27). The intervention included three in-person meetings (baseline, 3 months, 6 months) with lectures, resources, and repeated online questionnaires assessing knowledge, and clinical practices regarding medication adherence. Adoption and use of digital tools were also evaluated. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared and Student's tests.

Both centers demonstrated significant improvements in HCPs' awareness, knowledge, and practices related to medication adherence. Routine assessment of adherence increased from 47 to 87% in Mexico, and from 22 to 80% in Thailand. Use of the Insight tool rose from 0 to 53% in Mexico and from 11 to 96% in Thailand. Recommendation of the my a:care app increased from 33 to 100% in Mexico and from 15 to 92% in Thailand. HCPs' confidence in addressing adherence improved, and more personalized support strategies were implemented. Baseline differences between centers reflected contextual factors such as prior resource access and local healthcare organization.

A structured and standardized training program integrating behavioral science and digital tools improved HCPs' knowledge and clinical practices regarding medication adherence in two culturally distinct settings. These results need further research to confirm the findings on a larger scale and in diverse healthcare environments.