Improving Medication Adherence: Simple Steps for Better Health Outcomes

Taking medications correctly is one of the most important parts of looking after your health. Yet, it is common for many people to having trouble with aspects of managing their medications such as remembering the correct dose, forgetting to take medication, confusion regarding different brand names of the same medication, understanding why they have been prescribed a certain medication or experiencing uncertainty regarding whether a medication is prescribed life-long or for a certain amount of time. Poor adherence to medications may lead to a decline in health, hospital admission and ultimately a reduced quality of life.

On the bright side, small changes and good habits can make a big difference!

Why Medication Adherence Matters

Medications may be prescribed for a number of important reasons including:

- management of chronic conditions

- preventing complications

-improve overall well-being

Regularly missing doses of your medications or deciding to cease medications without seeking medical advice may result in suboptimal treatment effectiveness and increase the risk of health complications or your health condition may worsen.

Common reasons people struggle with medication adherence include:

• Forgetting to take medications

• Complex medication regimens

• Difficulty understanding instructions

• Side effects or concerns about potential side effects/adverse effects of medications

• Managing medications prescribed from different doctors (e.g. GP and Specialist)
  
  

Practical Tips to Improve Medication Adherence

1. Link medication-taking to your daily routine

Aim to take medications at the same time each day to help build a habit. Parts of your everyday routine such as meal times or brushing your teeth are great activities to prompt medication-taking which may improve adherence.

2. Set Reminders

Calanders, phone alarms and medication reminder apps are all great ways to remember to take your medicines.

3. Use a pill box/medication organiser

Medication organisers, also known as ‘pill box’ or ‘dosette box’ come in various types of schedules, such as daily or weekly. Medication organisers help to keep medicines organised and reduce the risk of medication errors and confusion.

A carer or family member who is well aware of your medications or a local pharmacy may be useful sources of support if you are unable to pack your medicines in to the medication organiser or simply prefer some assistance with managing your medicines.

4. Keep an Updated Medication List
Maintain an up-to-date list of all your medicines, including over the counter products such as vitamins, supplements and herbal products. This helps keep you independent with managing your medicines, avoid confusion and facilitates safer medication use. 

5. Seek advice from your Healthcare Team

If you have any concerns about your medicines such as experiences side-effects, difficulty swallowing tablets or opening bottles or you feel overwhelmed by all the medicines you are taking, speak with your GP or local pharmacist. Your healthcare team may be able to suggest strategies to simplify your medication management or may switch to an alternative medication if appropriate.

How a Home Medicines Review Can Help

A Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a fully bulk-billed appointment with a credentialed pharmacist which provides an opportunity for you, or the person you care for, to have to your medicines reviewed in the comfort of your home. The review can help pinpoint medication-related problems, improve understanding of your medicines, and provide practical and tailored strategies to support better adherence and safe medication use.

Final Thoughts

Managing your medicines does not have to feel overwhelming. Implementing simple strategies and seeking the right support can make medication adherence a lot more manageable, helping you achieve better health outcomes and greater confidence in managing your medicines at home.