Increasing adherence to hypertension treatment – The role of a pharmacist

Abstract:

Over time, adherence to chronic therapies is significantly reduced and only 30% of the prescribed pharmacological therapies are properly applied. It is not sufficient just to ensure that the patient takes the right medication, appropriately and at the right time. It is necessary to provide a learning process that will help the patient adapt changes in life habits which will enable improving the quality of life. Research suggests that involving public pharmacists in caring for people suffering from arterial hypertension significantly contributes to therapy adherence and lowering of the blood pressure. A public pharmacist may play a significant role in assessing the patient‘s understanding of the disease and treatment, his willingness to implement the treatment plan, explaining the benefit of the treatment and potential barriers to adherence, and reminding the patient of the importance of complying to the treatment. Co-operation of all stakeholders within the healthcare system is needed to reduce non-adherence. To increase the level of patient care, a co-operation between the doctors and the pharmacists has to be continuously developed and additional efforts are needed. 

Key words:
adherence; hypertension; pharmacists