Improving Medication Adherence Through Increased Patient Buy-In in Primary Care

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve patients’ stated understanding and planned adherence to the medication regimen developed with their providers.Background. The rate of adherence to medications is approximately 50% in the United States (US), much lower than it should be for optimum efficacy. Each year, in our country, over 120,000 deaths are attributed to medication nonadherence. Improving medication adherence can decrease disease progression and mortality, optimize healthcare expenditures, and improve patient outcomes. Methods. This project used a between groups survey questionnaire to assess participants’ likelihood to remember their medications and continue or start the medications discussed with their provider. Participants were adult patients of a family practice clinic in Mesa, Arizona. The intervention was a note sheet from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, entitled Write It Down – Join Your Team. The survey was designed to elicit participants’ thoughts about the utility of the note sheet and determine if use of the note sheet improved likelihood to remember medication information in 1 month and likelihood to take medications as prescribed. Results. The project was implemented over 4 days and involved 13 participants, five of whom had the note sheet and eight of whom did not. All five participants who used the note sheet reported that it would be useful for future appointments. Likelihood to take medications as prescribed was significantly higher in the note sheet group (p = .036). Conclusions. The responsibilities of a prescribing provider include ensuring that patients understand their medications and do not have barriers to taking them. The use of a note sheet is a simple, low-cost way to engage patients and boost communication in the exam room.