Patients with asthma will adhere more to their medications if they are empowered to make informed decisions surrounding medication adherence rather than “adherence controlling” by health professionals, according to a study published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy.
Previous studies have found that patients’ adherence to maintenance medication for asthma is poor despite increased medication adherence leading to better asthma control and health outcomes.
For this study, Dr. Xiubin Zhang and colleagues analyzed several studies to investigate the perspectives of patients with asthma and health professionals on medication adherence.
Their investigation included a total of 12 articles reporting findings from 433 participants. Of these participants, 315 were patients, and 118 were health care professionals.
Dr. Xiubin and colleagues made 4 major findings from the reviewed studies. First, the researchers observed that the relationship and communication between patients and health insurance play an important role in medication adherence. According to their findings, patients with positive clinical experiences and relationships trusted in their treatment, which in turn improved medication adherence.
Second, researchers identified that insufficient information from providers creates an adherence barrier. According to their findings, patients who lack knowledge and information about their diseases and medicines are less likely to adhere to medication. In addition, they found that many patients agreed that educational intervention from their physician would facilitate medication adherence.
Third, they noted patient attitudes and beliefs affect their medication adherence. According to the researchers, the patient’s recognition and attitude toward the disease and knowledge of the severity and consequence of the disease affects their perception of medication and, in turn, medication adherence.
Finally, the study identified that patients’ behavior and other external factors like living environment and daily activities can affect their adherence.
Following their findings, the researchers noted the importance of considering the patient’s health literacy and cultural perspectives when creating an education program or self-management strategies.
“Increased medication adherence leads to better asthma control and health outcomes, decreases the risk of future asthma exacerbations and healthcare costs. Therefore, understanding patient perceptions and behaviors and the possible barriers to assess this adherence issue is very important,” said the researchers.
The researchers also suggested that adding friends or family members should be considered when creating the patient’s treatment plan. In addition, they recommended that technology be used to improve communication between health care professionals and patients.
Furthermore, they recommended that providers ensure patients’ decisions are based on quality information to enhance adherence and health outcomes.
“Finally, educational interventions to improve patients’ knowledge of their disease and treatment adherence is needed based on individual understanding to truly empower patients to make informed decisions on their treatment rather than decisions just being made by healthcare professionals,” the researchers emphasized.
Source: AJMC
Journal Source: JOURNAL OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
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