Medication adherence is a major concern throughout healthcare systems as healthcare professionals strive to improve patient outcomes and optimize treatment efficacy. This article answers the question: What are the barriers to medication adherence? We discuss 5 barriers to medication adherence patients face in adhering to their prescribed medication regimens. From forgetfulness to socioeconomic constraints, we explore the diverse obstacles that hinder medication adherence.
We also introduce a new innovative remote therapeutic monitoring solution to improve medication adherence. Join us as we uncover the complexities of medication adherence and unveil innovative strategies poised to revolutionize patient care.
What are the Barriers to Medication Adherence?
Medication adherence, or the extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers, is a complex issue influenced by various factors. According to research, 80% or more adherence rates are needed for optimal therapeutic efficacy. However, medication nonadherence can account for up to 50% of failures in treatment.
Over 80 factors have been associated with medication nonadherence. A 2019 meta-analysis found that patients over age 55 who did not adhere to medication plans showed a significant association with all-cause hospitalization and mortality. Identifying barriers to medication adherence and developing solutions is critical to overcoming challenges with medication adherence.
Research has determined that these barriers can range from forgetfulness and lack of understanding about the importance of medications to socioeconomic challenges and medication side effects. We have outlined a few major reasons that answer the question of what are the barriers to medication adherence.
1) Forgetfulness and Disrupted Routines
One significant barrier to medication adherence is forgetfulness. With our busy lives and disrupted routines, simply forgetting to take pills on time can make it all too easy to miss doses, especially for those taking multiple medications at different times per day. Patients may unintentionally skip doses or forget to refill their prescriptions. A 2024 study collected answers from 50 type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients aged 59 and over about what factors they associate with nonadherence. 44% of the patients named forgetfulness as a factor.
2) Lack of Understanding
In the same study of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients aged 59 and over, 40% cited illiteracy as a reason for nonadherence. A patient’s ability to read and understand medication instructions is paramount. Patients with low literacy may have difficulty understanding instructions. This can create a barrier to medication adherence and management.
Another key barrier to medication adherence is understanding why adhering to a medication regimen is important. Additionally, misunderstanding or underestimating medications’ significance, the nature of side effects, and the time it takes to manage health conditions and see results can all lead to nonadherence.
3) Lack of Symptoms
When patients feel the same when they start or stop their medicine, they may believe there is no need to continue taking it. Or perhaps the patient feels better. They may think their condition has been resolved and no longer need the medication. Studies on medication adherence have shown that the percentage of non-adherence is highest among asymptomatic patients. This is especially true for chronic conditions like hypertension, where patients may not experience symptoms whether or not they follow their medication schedule.
4) Complex Treatment Plans and Multiple Medications
Chronic care patients with multiple conditions may have several medications that may need to be taken more than one time per day. The more medications a patient takes, the harder it becomes to keep up with a complex treatment plan. Regimens involving many different pills taken at varying times pose a barrier as patients struggle to keep everything straight. Frequent dosing poses challenges, too, when considering what are the barriers to medication adherence.
5) Counseling and Communication
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 20 – 30% of new prescriptions are never filled at the pharmacy by patients. One barrier to medication adherence is a lack of counseling and communication around medication instructions. In fact, not enough communication can account for 55% of medication nonadherence. In the previously mentioned study of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients aged 59 and over, 84% of patients cited a lack of counseling and sensitizing from the hospital as a barrier to medication adherence. It is important to understand the patient’s rationale for nonadherence and to communicate why it is vital that the patient take their medication as instructed.
The CDC suggests asking patients the following questions:
- Did you have a list of all your medicines and exact doses of over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
- Do you know why you take each medication?
- Do you know how your medicines affect your condition?
- When your medications are changed, do you review and update them with your pharmacist?
- Do you report medication side effects to your pharmacist?
- Do you inform your pharmacist if you miss doses of your medicines?
The Tenovi Cellular-Connected Pillbox: Overcoming Adherence Barriers
Self-reporting is the most frequently used method for measuring medication adherence. Tenovi has developed an innovative pillbox that removes self-reporting and tackles the most significant medication adherence barriers head-on. The Tenovi Pill Box is a cellular-connected remote therapeutic monitoring device that automatically tracks when pill compartments are opened and closed, seamlessly transmitting adherence data to providers.
With no apps, charging, WiFi, or patient effort required, the Tenovi Pillbox seamlessly blends into existing routines. It serves as a smart pillbox and adherence reminder while capturing vitally important adherence information. This allows providers to monitor adherence remotely and intervene before complications due to nonadherence arise.
Understanding: What are the Barriers to Medication Adherence?
As you’ve learned, forgetfulness, lack of understanding, and complex regimens can all be barriers to medication adherence. These factors contribute to patients missing doses and achieving sub-optimal health outcomes. The new Tenovi Pill Box is a new solution that unobtrusively tracks adherence to give providers and patients the data needed to improve medication adherence behaviors.
Tenovi works exclusively with companies that want to offer remote patient monitoring solutions to healthcare providers, including RPM service and software companies, chronic care management companies, and telehealth companies. Are you an RPM, chronic care, or telehealth company member who wants to see how the Tenovi Pill Box works? Book your free demo today!
