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Exploring Medication Adherence in Heart Failure From a Patient Perspective: A Qualitative Study
Ingibjorg Gunnthorsdottir1,2,3, Anna I Gunnarsdottir2,4, Karl Andersen1,3
1Department of Cardiology (I.G., K.A., E.S., I.J.I.), Landspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Circulation. Heart Failure
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Medication adherence in heart failure is a dynamic process influenced by daily life integration, not just motivation. Effective support requires simplifying regimens, addressing psychosocial needs, and coordinated care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Patient Experience Research
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Medication adherence (MA) is crucial for heart failure (HF) management but rarely assessed systematically.
- Understanding patient experiences with long-term medication use is vital for effective, patient-centered MA support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how patients with heart failure experience and manage long-term medication use.
- To identify factors influencing medication adherence in everyday life for heart failure patients.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study using 4 focus groups and 12 in-depth interviews with 27 heart failure patients.
- Data collected from May 2022 to November 2023, analyzed via inductive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Four themes emerged: practical medication aspects, psychosocial influences, healthcare interactions, and disease/medication factors.
- Adherence was highest when regimens fit daily life and when tolerability, follow-up, psychosocial needs, and costs were proactively managed.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure patients view MA as integrating treatment into life, not solely motivation.
- Effective MA support needs regimen simplification, diuretic planning, psychosocial/cost screening, and multidisciplinary follow-up.
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