engleski

The role of SMS reminders to increase the hypertensive patients’ adherence to medication

Background Adherence to long-term therapy for chronic illnesses in developed countries averages 50%. The aim is to develop a three P system (patient-physician-pharmacist) where is possible the mutual communication related to timely medication taking with SMS reminders. It improves adherence, especially the precision with which patients follow their prescribed regimen. Methods A 33-item self-administered questionnaire that included a convenience sample of 635 individuals who were buying drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases is used. Study subjects were divided into two groups, with adherent defined as a “yes” response to the statement that they “never fail to take their medication on time.” The cross-sectional survey was conducted at 106 Zagreb, Croatia pharmacies and the questionnaire was filled out by the study subjects. Results Non-adherent subjects prevailed over adherent subjects in this study population (n = 370 non- adherent ; 58.3% vs. n = 265 ; 41.7%). The most common diagnoses were diseases of the circulatory system (n = 500 ; 36.8%) and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (n = 285 ; 21.0%). The great majority of study subjects reported forgetfulness (“I just forgot”) as the main reason for skipping drug doses, followed by being away from home and shortage of the drug (having consumed it all). Conclusions Nonadherence to medication is a growing concern to patients, physicians, healthcare systems, and other stakeholders because that it is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes and higher costs of care. There is usually no single reason for medication nonadherence, and therefore must be a comprehensive approach to improve adherence. Research on adherence has typically focused on the barriers patients face in taking their medications. Short text messages are the most effective way to encourage adherence to drugs. Common barriers to adherence are under the patient's control, so that attention to them is a necessary and important step in improving adherence. Key messages: Adherence to long-term therapy for chronic illnesses in developed countries averages 50% Improving adherence by SMS reminder

SMS reminders ; hypertensive patients’ ; adherence ; medication

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