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Non-adherence to drugs is costly both economically and clinically. Dr Jonathan Steel discusses this issue in his article, and summarises the latest guidance from NICE, which includes recommendations on how adherence rates can be improved and why this is important.¹

The healthcare professional–patient relationship is of particular significance as problems with adherence can occur if there is a failure in the delivery of healthcare. Common causes of non-adherence include the healthcare professional not fully agreeing a prescription with the patient at the start of treatment, or not providing necessary support at a later stage. A useful algorithm has been developed by NICE to help GPs to find out why patients are not taking their medication as prescribed (click here).

In addition to improved clinical outcomes, tackling adherence should also lead to large cost savings: this is highlighted by the high annual drug cost of unused or unwanted medicines to the NHS, which is reported to be around £100 million.¹

References

1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence. Clinical Guideline 76. London: NICE, 2009.

Julia Morris, Editor
julia.morris@mgp.ltd.ukG