Abstract
Maintaining medication adherence is a critical issue in determining health outcomes in patients with chronic diseases. However, many patients do not adhere to their prescribed regimens. This study aimed to determine the effects of using adherence score sheets according to application timing in improving medication adherence among non-adherent outpatients. In community pharmacies, both patients and pharmacists evaluated medication adherence based on application timing (morning, noon, evening, and before going to bed) in 11 levels (0-10) for >4 months. A total of 58 outpatients were included in the study. The median scores among application timing at intermediate (patient 9.3, pharmacist 9.0) and final (patient 9.5, pharmacist 9.5) analyses were significantly higher than that at baseline (patient 7.6, pharmacist 7.0). At the end of the investigation, the ratio of non-adherent patients prescribed with hyperlipidemic medications was higher than those prescribed with medications for other lifestyle diseases. Approximately 80% of the patients reported improved medication adherence based on the questionnaires regarding their understanding on diseases and medications, medication awareness, and communication with pharmacists. Therefore, the utilization of an adherence score sheet according to application timing improved medication adherence of patients with chronic diseases.
