The Role of Pharmacists in Supporting Nurses to Improve Medication Adherence in Chronic Disease Patients

Abstract

Medication adherence is a crucial factor in the effective management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic conditions often require long-term or lifelong treatment regimens, where consistent medication use is essential to control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. When patients adhere to prescribed treatments, the likelihood of disease progression is significantly reduced, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations (Kvarnström et al., 2021). Conversely, poor adherence can result in treatment failures, exacerbations of symptoms, and increased healthcare costs. Studies consistently show that medication non-adherence is a significant contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Therefore, ensuring that patients follow their treatment regimens is a fundamental challenge in healthcare, requiring tailored interventions and the active involvement of various healthcare professionals, including nurses and pharmacists (Sugandh et al., 2023).