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Adherence experts’ perspectives and experiences of educating healthcare professionals on medication adherence: A qualitative study
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  • Fatima Rezae,
  • Stephen Carter,
  • Rebekah Moles,
  • Ayano Kelly
Fatima Rezae
The University of Sydney

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Stephen Carter
The University of Sydney
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Rebekah Moles
The University of Sydney
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Ayano Kelly
University of New South Wales Medicine & Health
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Abstract

Aim: Medication non-adherence is a global health problem affecting patients with numerous medical conditions. Training healthcare professionals (HCPs) on managing the challenging issue of medication non-adherence requires an evidence-based approach. Therefore, we aimed to describe the perspectives and experiences of adherence experts on educating HCPs about medication adherence in order to guide the content and delivery of medication adherence education to HCPs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted online, face-to-face, and via phone. Interviews were video or audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Data was coded line by line into the preliminary coding framework and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen adherence experts were interviewed between May 2022 and March 2023. Five major themes with subthemes were identified: enhancing awareness among HCPs, seeing life through the patient’s lens, communicating to build empathy and rapport, having a structured approach to address individual patient behaviours, and delivering enriching and targeted training. Conclusion: Adherence experts emphasised the impact HCPs can play by regularly addressing the pervasive issue of adherence in their clinical setting. HCPs can elicit behaviour change by understanding the patient’s perspective, the complexity of adherence, and communicating effectively. Structured approaches include using tools, frameworks, and communication methods. Continuous training that is clinically relevant and builds on existing professional expertise is required to overcome HCPs’ own barriers to behaviour change.The findings of this study guide the content and delivery of medication adherence education and training to HCPs.
04 Apr 2024Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
04 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
04 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
04 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 May 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned