Medication adherence is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, yet patients often do not follow prescriptions about half the time. The document outlines eight steps to enhance medication adherence, including creating an open dialogue with patients, identifying barriers to adherence, and involving patients in their treatment plans. Most nonadherence is intentional, highlighting the need for tailored solutions to address individual patient needs.

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Medication
Adherence
Improve patient outcomes and reduce costs

2. © 2015 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Patients do not
take their medicine
as prescribed
about half the
time.
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Why is it important to assess adherence?
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Eight steps to improve medication adherence in
your practice
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Consider medication nonadherence first as the reason a
patient’s condition is not under control
Develop a process for routinely asking about medication
adherence
Create a blame-free environment to discuss medications
with the patient
Identify why the patient is not taking their medicine

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Eight steps to improve medication adherence in
your practice
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Respond positively and thank the patient for sharing their
behavior
Tailor the adherence solution to the individual patient
Involve the patient in developing their treatment plan
Set patients up for success
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Most nonadherence is intentional. Top reasons for
intentional nonadherence include:
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For additional resources,
frequently asked questions
and implementation support,
visit www.stepsforward.org!