Adherence compliance and concordance

Use of e-prescriptions improves adherence, researchers find

Use of electronic prescriptions increases the chances of patients collecting their prescription medicines, according to research published in JAMA Dermatology.…

Antipsychotic adherence falls when patient financial incentives are withdrawn

Offering payments to patients to receive injectable antipsychotics is only effective while the incentives are provided, study finds.…

Pharmacist-led medication reviews reduce drug-related readmissions

Medication reviews carried out by hospital pharmacists can reduce drug-related readmissions and emergency department visits but the evidence behind these services is of poor quality, according to a study.…

Covert administration of medicines in care homes

Pharmacists and healthcare professionals should be familiar with covert administration of medicines, a complex process requiring multidisciplinary assessment, to ensure its appropriate use in care homes.…

Underuse of medicines in older patients linked with mortality and hospitalisation

Increased rates of mortality and hospitalisation were associated with underuse of medicines in older patients, even when controlling for polypharmacy and misuse, according to the findings of a Belgian study.…

Pill organisers could put older patients at risk of adverse events

The use of pill organisers by older people could increase the risk of drug-related adverse events, say researchers.…

Depression reduces medication adherence in COPD patients

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are less likely to adhere to their medicines if they have depression, a new study shows.…

How polypharmacy has become a medical burden worldwide

More patients than ever are taking a multitude of medicines and supplements, but this can cause more harm than good.…

Using motivational interviewing to improve medicines adherence

The principles of motivational interviewing and how pharmacists can use it to help patients take their medicines as prescribed.…

Poor antibiotic adherence increases risk of skin infection recurrence

Study suggests poor adherence to antibiotics could explain relapses seen in patients with skin infections.…