Patient Engagement, Communication Paramount in Improving Medication Adherence

Through the use of effective communication approaches and properly engaging with their patient populations, pharmacists have been finding new ways to make their patients a part of the clinical decision-making process. When patients are able to effectively choose their medications and understand why they are taking them, they are more confident in their treatment plans thanks to working closely with pharmacists and prescribers.

“You want to make sure that the patient feels a part of their care and that they are understanding what they're doing, that they have choices, and what their actions that they're taking, in the end, positively impact them,” Andrew Maiorini, PharmD, FAHM, vice president of clinical programs at PerformRx, told Drug Topics. “[Through patient engagement], they’re part of the process of determining their care and making sure that they understand why certain options were decided upon.”

In part 2, he delved into the importance of pharmacists engaging their patient populations through effective and innovative communication pathways. Maiorini also touched on education and how it is a necessary discussion to have with patients looking to take hold and manage their medication regimens. If patients are unaware of the medications they need and why or how these drugs are helping them, engagement overall will become a significant challenge for many pharmacists.

“Communication is key,” he continued. “It's very important to make sure that we are providing all of the information that, not just the members but also their prescribers and the rest of the care team are involved [in]; that they understand what issues that member may be facing.”

Listen through part 2 of our interview series with Maiorini as he dives further into medication adherence and the simple but innovative ways pharmacists are helping their patients navigate challenges and barriers in this space. Also, stay tuned for more from our conversation with Maiorini as he discusses the tools his company PerformRx has provided regarding helping patients and their pharmacists manage prescription drug regimens.

READ MORE: Q&A: Pharmacists Guide Patients Through Clinical, Social Determinants of Nonadherence

Don’t get left behind: Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips delivered straight to your inbox.