Medication Adherence in Primary Care Treating chronic illnesses usually includes pharmacotherapy management. Even though medications are effective in treating and preventing progression of disease processes; “their full benefits are often not realized because approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed” (Brown & Bussell, 2011, p. 304). Woo & Wynne (2012) stated that “poor medication adherence leads to increased healthcare costs; 33 to 69 percent of medication-related hospital admissions are related to poor adherence, at a cost of $100 billion per year” (p. 24). Brown and Bussell (2011) explained a person’s behavior in taking medications, following a diet, and/or lifestyle changes can greatly improve the health
…show more content…
According to Shaw (2014) the cost of medications for chronic medical conditions are one of the largest reason why patients do not adhere to the medication regimens prescribed by providers. Burcu, Alexander, Ng, and Harrington (2015) explained high out-of-pocket costs of medications are a hardship for all ages, but especially the elderly on Medicare since they live on fixed incomes and usually have comorbid conditions that require chronic medication treatment. These authors further stated this leads to cost-coping behaviors such as non-adherence. Some patients may have additional prescription coverage but may encounter high costs and co-pays for these medications depending on what tier the drug is in (Shaw, 2014). This may lead to “patients taking smaller doses or skipping doses of their prescribed medications and delayed filling or not filling prescribed medications” (Burcu et al., 2015, p. …show more content…
Chummun and Bolan (2013) pointed out that patients tend to question the appropriateness of their prescribed medication regimen and then refuse to comply; with the personal belief there is no real purpose or need for such medications. This then in turn increases patient’s medication non-adherence and possible negative outcomes in their care. Schuz et al. (2011) stated patients with health beliefs that are not favorable to medication adherence are more likely to be adherent when they see their conditions and severe and life threatening enough to seek and warrant
According to Shaw (2014) the cost of medications for chronic medical conditions are one of the largest reason why patients do not adhere to the medication regimens prescribed by providers. Burcu, Alexander, Ng, and Harrington (2015) explained high out-of-pocket costs of medications are a hardship for all ages, but especially the elderly on Medicare since they live on fixed incomes and usually have comorbid conditions that require chronic medication treatment. These authors further stated this leads to cost-coping behaviors such as non-adherence. Some patients may have additional prescription coverage but may encounter high costs and co-pays for these medications depending on what tier the drug is in (Shaw, 2014). This may lead to “patients taking smaller doses or skipping doses of their prescribed medications and delayed filling or not filling prescribed medications” (Burcu et al., 2015, p. …show more content…
Chummun and Bolan (2013) pointed out that patients tend to question the appropriateness of their prescribed medication regimen and then refuse to comply; with the personal belief there is no real purpose or need for such medications. This then in turn increases patient’s medication non-adherence and possible negative outcomes in their care. Schuz et al. (2011) stated patients with health beliefs that are not favorable to medication adherence are more likely to be adherent when they see their conditions and severe and life threatening enough to seek and warrant