Fam Pract Manag. 2013;20(3):11
Thank you for the superb article “Medication Adherence: We Didn't Ask and They Didn't Tell” [March/April 2013]. The article offers a practical discussion of a care challenge that embodies all the complexities of working with people in all their diversity.
One thing I have found useful is to begin the discussion by acknowledging that there are valid reasons why patients may not be taking their medicines as prescribed. My goal is to make them comfortable telling me what their barriers to medication adherence are and why. It gives me permission to suggest strategies for overcoming their individual barriers so they can experience a greater benefit from their medications.