Even before we start a medication regimen, learning about our specific condition can positively affect medication organization and compliance. This means we adhere to our recommended treatment for best results.
In my blog series on medication management, I highlighted the leading reasons for noncompliance of medications, such as: forgetfulness, fear of effects or experiencing actual side effects, desire to save money, and instruction confusion. Gaining a thorough understanding of the illness and how prescribed medications can help is a great way to ensure you or your family member is ready to comply with medications. Once a person is about to start a medication regimen, we can prevent noncompliance from happening even before the first dose is taken.
Below are qualifications to assess whether a person is ready to adhere to medication regimens. Medication adherence typically requires that a person:
- Show interest in his or her health and understand the diagnosis
- Understand the potential impact of the diagnosis
- Believe that the prescribed treatment will help
- Find ways to fit the medication regimen into his or her daily routine
- Value the outcome of treatment more than the cost of treatment
- Believe that he or she can carry out the treatment plan
- Believe that the health care practitioners involved in the treatment process truly care about him or her as a person rather than as a disease to be treated
If you or your family member meets all of the above qualifications, then you can rest assured that medication compliance will likely be successful. In my April series on building readiness before medication, I’ll share how to best prepare for your prescription – both with your physician and at home – and offer simple tips for prescription management so you can get the most from your medication. I welcome your feedback!
-Susan
Tags: Apothecary Products, health care, medication adherence, medication readiness, medication regimen, prescriptions
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What a great post!