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Role of the Pharmacist in Supporting Adherence

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Drug Adherence in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection

Part of the book series: Updates in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection ((UHCP))

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Abstract

In the era of chronic diseases and polypharmacy, patient nonadherence is a silent and worldwide endemic issue that contributes to extra morbidity/mortality and healthcare costs. Nonadherence can be reduced when addressed by educated healthcare teams, pharmacists being part of them. Pharmacists’ activities have switched from a medication-oriented activity to a patient-centred perspective in order to support patient’s self-management. In collaboration with other healthcare providers, they screen, resolve and prevent medication nonadherence. In parallel to a critical review and a reconciliation of the patient’s treatment, they provide patients with therapeutic education and behavioural support. Pharmacists are trained in communication skills and have many opportunities to monitor patient’s medication-taking behaviour and promote adherence from medication initiation to implementation and persistence. The pharmacist uses tools and strategies for screening (medication computerized histories) and for addressing both intentional and unintentional medication nonadherence. Leaflets are part of educational strategies, whereas medication synchronization approaches, pillboxes, Direct Observed Therapy (D.O.T.) or mHealth are more behavioural.

There is an important body of literature showing the positive impact of pharmacist interventions to support pharmacotherapy, medication adherence and clinical targets in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The most successful pharmacist interventions are multifaceted. However, despite the evidence on their effectiveness, few programmes have been implemented in real-world settings. Such a translation can be made possible through healthcare provider interprofessional education and through new policies. This chapter aims at describing the role of the pharmacist in addressing medication adherence, particularly in cardiovascular patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Community Pharmacy, Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Marie P. Schneider Ph.D., R.Ph.

  2. Community Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Marie P. Schneider Ph.D., R.Ph.

  3. Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Parisa Aslani B.Pharm.(Hons.), M.Sc., Ph.D.

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  1. Marie P. Schneider Ph.D., R.Ph.
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  2. Parisa Aslani B.Pharm.(Hons.), M.Sc., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Marie P. Schneider Ph.D., R.Ph. .

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  1. Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

    Michel Burnier

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Schneider, M.P., Aslani, P. (2018). Role of the Pharmacist in Supporting Adherence. In: Burnier, M. (eds) Drug Adherence in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection. Updates in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76593-8_19

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